Winning Tyson Fury's WBC belt would be a coup for Francis Ngannou when the Professional Fighters League star and former UFC champion competes in his first professional boxing bout.
MMA superstar Ngannou faces unbeaten Fury on October 28 in Riyadh in a crossover event between two giants of their sports.
There has, however, been some confusion over what the winner of the lucrative showdown will receive aside from bragging rights.
The Sporting News explains why Fury's title will not be on the line and some of the regulations accompanying his fight with Ngannou.
MORE: Fury vs Ngannou date, time, odds
Is Fury defending his title against Ngannou?
Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, has confirmed that the Briton's belt will not be on the line when he enters the ring with an opponent who once set the world record for the hardest punch.
The fighter known as "The Gypsy King" last defended his WBC crown in a grimly one-sided affair against Derek Chisora in December 2022, stopping his compatriot in the 10th round in London.
The Mancunian has held numerous other titles previously, including a spell as unified champion between 2015 and 2016.
Why isn't Fury's title on the line against Ngannou?
Ngannou is not ranked by the WBC, so the organisation's belt will not be up for grabs when Fury encounters the French-Cameroonian.
The WBC granted Fury special permission to fight an opponent who is not ranked and will not recieve sanctioning fees.
Will Fury and Ngannou fight for a title?
At the London press conference for the clash, it was announced that the winner of Fury and Ngannou's contest will win the Riyadh Champion belt.
The result of the fight will make more headlines than the belt if Ngannou causes a near-unthinkable upset and becomes the first opponent to beat Fury.
🔰 "Riyadh Champion" WBC Commemorative Belt Shines in "Battle of the Baddest" 🔰
— World Boxing Council (@WBCBoxing) October 25, 2023
In a landmark event for combat sports enthusiasts worldwide, the much-anticipated "Battle of the Baddest" between WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury and MMA sensation Francis Ngannou is set to… pic.twitter.com/mnNQzDCqfZ
Is Fury vs Ngannou a professional fight? Can there be a knockout?
The bout is being held under the British Boxing Board of Control's jurisdiction and is not an exhibition of the kind seen when Ngannou's trainer-advisor, Mike Tyson, fought fellow former great Roy Jones Jr. in 2020.
That means there can be a knockout across the 10 scheduled three-minute rounds, which will be scored by three judges using the 10-point system, and it is likely that the result will count on both professional records.
Fury has said he should be mocked if Ngannou's first fight as a professional boxer ends in victory for the 37-year-old.
Ngannou has a background in boxing and wanted to enter the sport professionally before making his name in MMA.
WATCH: Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou live, exclusively on ESPN+
How to watch Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou: TV channel, live stream
In the U.S., Fury vs. Ngannou is available on ESPN+ PPV. It is available via TNT Sports Box Office in the U.K. and DAZN in Australia.
| Region | TV channel | Live streaming |
| United States | — | ESPN+ PPV |
| Canada | — | TSN+ |
| UK and Ireland | — | TNT Sports Box Office |
| Australia | — | DAZN |
WATCH: Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, exclusively live on DAZN