Mike Tyson reveals Ngannou is ‘Tougher fight than anyone thinks’

Former UFC champion Francis "The Predator" Ngannou shared a few images to Instagram on Friday from the training session with Mike "Iron" Tyson in preparation for his October 28 boxing fight against Tyson "The Gypsy King" Fury.

Ngannou, 36, also made an appearance on First Take with Stephen A. Smith alongside 57-year-old Tyson, who made his support for the former UFC fighter more than evident.

"It's no secret I back Ngannou 100 percent in this face-off of champions," Tyson said. "He has one hard punch, and when it lands, it's game over. I am looking forward to working with Ngannou and supporting his transition from the Octagon to the boxing ring.

"He isn't a combat novice; he is a world champion. He knows how to compete when the bell rings, but the key will be combining his energy and combat skills into his punches and using his agility to move swiftly around the ring then delivering the knockout blow. We're here to win."

Ngannou announced Thursday that Tyson would be joining his camp as a trainer, and shared a video of himself squeezing a ton of sweat from a shirt, presumably the result of a training session with "Iron Mike."

On Friday, Ngannou posted several photos of himself and his sparring partner inside the ring with Tyson leading the training session.

"Bringing Mike Tyson into my training camp is one of the best decisions I can make to prepare for Tyson Fury in the ring at this year's Riyadh Season," Ngannou said. "Mike Tyson is an idol of mine in the sport. His experience and boxing IQ will be important to honing my technique under his guidance to win this super fight.

"I've been wanting this fight for years and now that it's here, I'm focused on fighting the greatest fight of my career and shocking the world on the most epic stage for the fans in Riyadh. October 28th, the world will know who's the 'Baddest Man on the Planet.'"

Fury, 34, is undefeated in 34 contests and has knocked out 24 of his opponents, but Ngannou will likely be the toughest one yet.

Said Mike Tyson “He’s had many professional fights, but he’s never experienced a professional boxing match,” Mike Tyson stated in the interview referring to Francis Ngannou. “But by working with him

, he has the aptitude, and I see a good future in this life. It’s not going to be as one-sided as people think it is. I was speaking with Francis once he came in and I asked him ‘Are you sore today?’, and he said ‘No’.”

He continued, “That was a big mistake. But, we’re going to work and we’re going to exert everything he has for this particular match. I definitely believe that it’s going to be a tougher fight than anyone thinks.”