In a controversial split decision, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury overcame a knockdown to defeat former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The ten-round bout marked the boxing debut for 37-year-old Ngannou, who shocked the British champion with a knockdown in Round 3. Despite this setback, Fury rallied to secure victory by narrow margins (94-95, 96-93, 95-94), thereby avoiding the first loss of his professional career.
Fury's Respect for Ngannou
"He's a hell of a fighter and a hell of a lot better boxer than we thought he would be. He's an awkward man and a good puncher, and I respect him a lot," said Fury after the fight. "He was very awkward. He wasn't coming forward and was waiting for me to throw. He's given me one of my toughest fights of the last ten years."
Controversial Outcome
Many boxing experts had labelled Ngannou as the underdog for the event, but his disciplined and aggressive performance led some to believe that "The Predator" was wrongfully denied the win. Boxing website Bad Left Hook reported that Fury was not in peak physical condition, noting a lack of stamina in the early rounds.
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing promoter, voiced similar sentiments, stating that Ngannou won "by two rounds" and suggesting that "Tyson Fury looked like he's never laced a pair of gloves before." On Matchroom Boxing's YouTube channel, Hearn called for "The Gypsy King" to offer his opponent a rematch or face Britain's two-time world champion Anthony Joshua. "AJ will knock Tyson Fury out within six rounds. Make the fight; otherwise, we'll never get it," said Hearn.
Statistics Reveal a Close Fight
Despite Ngannou landing more power punches, the latest stats revealed that Fury landed more total punches in the contest. According to Compubox, Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) landed 71 of 223 punches, while Ngannou (0-1) landed 59 of 231. Fury was also the more active fighter in six of ten rounds, with Ngannou edging three and one round tied.
In the final two rounds, Ngannou landed only six punches, while Fury landed 13, which likely influenced the judges' decision. However, Ngannou did land more power punches throughout the fight, 37 to 32. "I don't know how close it was, but I got the win, and that's what it is. You can see it in here – ring rust, everything. No excuses, though. He's cut me across the eye there," said Fury, praising his contender.
Fury's Next Challenge: Oleksandr Usyk
After the bout, Oleksandr Usyk entered the ring and confronted Fury, his next scheduled opponent. Both fighters are unbeaten and hold unified heavyweight titles. The rumored date for their clash in Riyadh on December 23 remains uncertain as Fury and his promoter, Frank Warren, were non-committal after Fury's fight with Ngannou. There is a chance Fury may have to postpone the title unification against the Ukrainian.
"I don't think the date will be announced just yet. This fight is on. Both fighters want it. Tyson's got a cut there. We'll see how it heals," said Warren. The Queensberry promoter explained that Fury cannot go into a camp after such a tough fight, as he needs "at least a bit of time to get himself, his body, back into shape." He predicted the Briton to return to camp early next year.
However, Usyk insisted that the fight with Fury take place on the agreed date of December 23, as negotiations for the fight had lasted for nearly a year. Usyk argued that Fury should vacate his title if he could not fight on the agreed date.