Footballing icon Cristiano Ronaldo and UFC legend Conor McGregor are among a star-studded list of celebrities set to attend tonight’s Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou fight in Saudi Arabia.
High-profilers from all across the globe are flying into Riyadh for the bout which sees Ngannou – a former UFC heavyweight champion – step into the boxing ring for the first time as a professional against one of the greats.
Fury remains the WBC champion but there are no titles on the line, as the world’s leading heavyweight seeks to extend his unbeaten career record and justify strong 1/20 favouritism according to boxing betting sites.
Ronaldo didn’t have to travel too far as he is currently playing football in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Nassr. His namesake, Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario, was also spotted at the gala dinner on Friday evening.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was also in attendance, alongside boxing royalty in Mike Tyson. Rap star Eminem was also seen posing for a picture with Ngannou and all the VIPs posed for a group shot at the end.
Who’s your favourite fighter from this group photo? #FuryNgannou pic.twitter.com/yXgfvH5pc9
— BOXRAW (@BOXRAW) October 27, 2023
Fury and Ngannou stood at the top of the picture together, whilst the former’s family members Tommy and John were in the front row. Others included former boxers Lennox Lewis and Amir Khan as well as MMA fighter Israel Adesanya.
The gala was held at the St Regis Hotel, which is rated five stars and it’s cheapest room would usually set you back a tidy £670 – but due to high demand on fight week, you’re looking at at least £2,500 for a single night.
Cristiano Ronaldo with Tyson Fury tonight.
“Cristiano, you are the greatest footballer, I’m a big fan, I have watched you a lot.” pic.twitter.com/xQM0CuWjW5
— TC (@totalcristiano) October 27, 2023
Saturday’s clash is one of the most highly-anticipated showdowns of the year, with ringwalks expected at around 10:30pm following an action-packed undercard.
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