Mike Tyson to Tyson Fury: Coaching Ngannou to beat you is purely business

Boxing legend Mike Tyson has given a blunt response to Tyson Fury's disappointment with his decision to coach Francis Ngannou.

Iron Mike has teamed up with the former UFC heavyweight champion ahead of his controversial crossover clash with the Gypsy King next month.

Fury was left saddened by Tyson - whom he was named after - opting to plot his downfall in the Saudi showdown - but the boxing veteran couldn't care less.

The former undisputed heavyweight champion told TNT Sports: "This is business, and he understands."

Ngannou's martial arts journey began with boxing but he was convinced to try his hand at mixed martial arts by his former coach Fernand Lopez.

The Cameroonian clubber - who has never boxed in a professional capacity - has won 70 percent of his MMA fights via brutal knockout.

And Tyson believes The Predator has the skill set to give Fury a real run for his money.

He said: “I think he’s gonna do very well.

"Listen, it’s all experience, he’s fighting, he just has to remember not to use his feet, which he never really did actually.

"He’s a real power puncher. Real fast for a big guy, 260[lbs].

"I just think he’s gonna do better than most people believe.”

Fury and Ngannou's Saudi slugfest will be a professionally sanctioned bout, although the former's WBC heavyweight title won't be on the line.

Wythenshawe warrior Fury, 35, will enter the ten-rounder on the back of a one-sided beatdown of fellow Brit Derek Chisora last December.

Ngannou, meanwhile, goes into the lucrative showdown following a 21-month layoff after his final defence of the UFC heavyweight throne against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270.