Fascinating Fury-Ngannou bout latest example of Saudi Arabia's sportswashing strategy

If you're excited about Saturday's heavyweight boxing showdown between WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and Francis "The Predator" Ngannou, the former UFC champion who now competes in the Professional Fighters League, I don't blame you. 

What's not to like about the prospect of two giant guys, trading trash talk and big punches, trying to bash each other's face in? That formula sells every sport from boxing, to MMA, to pro wrestling, to old-time hockey.

Just understand that the matchup makes no competitive sense, no matter how hard you try to convince yourself that Ngannou might do something besides lose.

But… What about Ngannou's superhuman strength? Didn't a childhood spent working a Cameroonian sand pit turn him into a Hercules?

Yes, but this isn't a strongman contest. It's a boxing match. If these two ever hook up in a phonebook-ripping contest, bet all your money on Ngannou. Otherwise, lean toward the boxer.

So then what about punching power? Didn't Ngannou end his UFC run with five consecutive knockouts?

Sure, but punching power is context-dependent. Landing a big shot against somebody also trying to defend against kicks, elbows, takedowns and knee strikes is one task. Making solid contact against a slippery boxer who is only on alert for punches is a different challenge.

All right… but Ngannou is training with Mike Tyson — The Baddest Man on The Planet. That counts for something… doesn't it?

From a marketing standpoint, sure. It connects Tyson's name, reputation, and massive following to this event, making it feel like an important boxing match. But if you've seen video of them training, you've seen the former heavyweight champion drilling Ngannou fundamental skills that experienced boxers like Fury