'Awful As A Jab Can Be' – Former Boxing Champ Gives Dismal View Of Francis Ngannou's Open Workout For Fury Fight

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou’s long-awaited professional boxing debut is edging ever closer.

This time last year, Ngannou had gold in his possession on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage. But with the promotion unwilling to meet his desired contractual terms, “The Predator” left his reign behind in pursuit of better surroundings.

And he’s seemingly found that under the banner of the Professional Fighters League. In addition to a number of other benefits, Ngannou’s PFL deal includes the freedom for him to lace the boxing gloves.

He’ll do so for the first time next month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, when he shares the ring with WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury.

Ever since the bout was made official, Ngannou has routinely had his chances of victory against the all-time pugilism great dismissed. And latest footage of his boxing talents has seemingly only added to the doubt held by many.

Ex-IBF Champ Unimpressed By Ngannou’s Boxing 

Ngannou recently took part in an open workout session in front of media members in Las Vegas. During it, “The Predator” could be seen hitting the pads under the guidance of legendary former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

The Cameroonian knockout artist has since received some flak for the striking he displayed, including from an ex-world champion.

Among those reacting to clips of Ngannou’s workout was Caleb Truax, who held the IBF super middleweight title from 2017 to 2018 and also challenged for the WBA (regular) middleweight title two years prior.

“Golden” gave a concerned take on Ngannou’s abilities, specifically labeling his jab as “awful.”

That's as awful as a jab can be… https://t.co/QQbjGRAvEX

— caleb truax (@GoldenCalebT) September 27, 2023

“That’s as awful as a jab can be…”

Truax, who boasts a victory over James DeGale and went the distance with Caleb Plant in 2021, certainly isn’t alone in his view of Ngannou’s chances come fight night in the Middle East on October 28.

But doubt won’t have been unexpected for “The Predator.” After all, his first foray in the boxing realm is coming against an undefeated champion who’s widely placed among the sport’s greatest of all time.

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