Mike Tyson is feeling optimistic about Francis Ngannou’s chances against Tyson Fury having started training him.

Ngannou is currently preparing to take on Fury on October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and he has enlisted the help of Tyson in the hopes of causing a huge upset.

No-one is giving the former UFC heavyweight champion anything more than a puncher’s chance in this bout, but Tyson believes Ngannou will give Fury a tougher fight than might be expected.

“He’s had many professional fights, he’s just never experienced a professional boxing match,” Tyson explained to ESPN.

“Working with him yesterday, he has the aptitude and I see a good future in his life.

“It’s not going to be as one-sided as people think it is.

“I was speaking with Francis once he came in [to the gym] and I asked him “Are you sore today?” and he said no. That was a big mistake.

“We are going to work him and exert everything he has for this particular match, because he is going to have to do that.

“And I definitely believe that it’s going to be a tougher fight than everyone thinks”.

And Ngannou is delighted to have Tyson on board, as he said: “Bringing Mike Tyson into my training camp is one of the best decisions I can make to prepare for Tyson Fury.

“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.”

The Cameroonian was first inspired to fight by Iron Mike but he pursued MMA over boxing as it was easier to find bouts.

But now Ngannou will make his long-awaited boxing debut against unbeaten WBC champ Fury, 34.

And Tyson said: “It is no secret I back Ngannou 100 per cent in this face-off of champions. 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 knock-out blow.

“We’re here to win.”