Boxing fans have slammed Tyson Fury following confirmation of his next fight against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.

Supporters had been longing for a dream undisputed bout against Olemksandr Usyk, or a titanic all-British clash against Anthony Joshua.

However, the Gypsy King’s return to the ring will instead take place against Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on October 28 – with his WBC title not on the line.

Boxing fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment with Fury since the fight was announced.

Summing up the frustration, one person tweeted: ‘Fury used to be the people’s champion. He’s now a disgrace.’

Fans have expressed their disappointment that Tyson Fury will face Francis Ngannou

Some fans have called for Fury to be stripped of his WBC heavyweight title following the announcement of the bout with the former UFC star on October 28 in Saudi Arabia

Follow MailSport on Threads here: https://www.threads.net/@mailsport

Another person commented that ‘literally not one person wants to see this fight’.

@Vivihenry12 commented: ‘Tyson is (a) fraud. Lost all the respect I had for him,’ while another person added: ‘Pathetic @Tyson_Fury you should be ashamed.’

A number of users on Twitter suggested that Fury should be stripped of his WBC title belt.

Harry Oliver said: ‘Fury needs to be stripped of the belt, ridiculous how Chisora got a title shot and now this.’

While another Twitter user posted: ‘Quite simply, the WBC should strip the title from him and give two people willing to actually defend it a chance to fight.

‘He has been a stain on boxing post Wilder.’

@DewarAuthor said that Fury ‘has to be the worst heavyweight champion’ of their lifetime’.

After a highly-anticipated clash with Usyk, which would have crowned a first undisputed heavyweight champion since 2000, fell by the wayside earlier this year, it’s no surprise that Fury has drawn criticism for stepping into the ring with an MMA fighter instead of defending his title against one of the top challengers in his division.

There had been hopes for Fury to take on either Oleksandr Usyk (left) or Anthony Joshua (right)

The clash will take place under the official rules of professional boxing, after previous suggestions that it would only be an exhibition bout.

It means Fury could add to his current undefeated record which stands at 33 wins, one draw and zero defeats.

Fury said about Ngannou, whom he invited into the ring at Wembley after his win over Dillian Whyte last year, following confirmation of their fight: ‘As soon as that bell goes, it’ll be bombs away!

‘This guy is supposed to be the hardest puncher in the world, but let’s see how he reacts when he gets hit by the Big GK. I can’t wait to get back out there under the lights.

‘I’m looking forward to showing the world that The Gypsy King is the greatest fighter of his generation in an epic battle with another master of his craft.’

Ngannou also added: ‘I’ve been waiting to meet Tyson in the ring for the past three years. My dream was always to box, and to box the best.

‘After becoming the undisputed MMA Heavyweight Champion, this is my opportunity to make that dream come true and cement my position as the baddest man on the planet. I’d like to thank Riyadh Season and my team at 3Point0 Labs for helping put this event together.’