In a thrilling and controversial fight, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury narrowly escaped defeat at the hands of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. The ten-round showdown ended in a split decision that has since sparked debates among boxing experts worldwide.
Fury Survives Knockdown, Secures Victory
Ngannou, 37, proved to be an unexpectedly formidable opponent for Fury, 35, during their bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Despite this being his boxing debut, Ngannou managed to outbox the British champion for much of the fight, even shocking spectators with a knockdown in Round 3. However, Fury demonstrated his resilience by rallying back to secure a narrow victory (94-95, 96-93, 95-94), preserving his undefeated professional record.
"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."
Controversy Surrounds Decision
Many boxing pundits had pegged Ngannou as the underdog for the event. However, his disciplined and aggressive yet calculated approach surprised many, leading some to believe that "The Predator" was wrongfully denied the win. Reports from the boxing website Bad Left Hook suggested that Fury was not in peak physical condition, noting a lack of stamina in the early rounds.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn echoed these sentiments, maintaining that Ngannou won "by two rounds" and that "Tyson Fury looked like he's never laced a pair of gloves before." 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.
Match Statistics: Fury Wins on Points
Despite Ngannou landing more power punches, the latest stats reveal 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, Fury landed 13 punches to Ngannou's six, likely influencing the judges' decision. However, Ngannou led in power punches throughout the fight, with 37 compared to Fury's 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, acknowledging his contender.
Upcoming Match: Fury vs. Usyk
After the bout, Oleksandr Usyk entered the ring and confronted Fury, setting the stage for their next scheduled fight. 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.
"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, suggesting that Fury needs "at least a bit of time to get himself, his body, back into shape."
However, Usyk insisted that the fight with Fury take place on the agreed date of December 23. He argued that if Fury could not meet this schedule, he should vacate his title. The negotiations for the fight have lasted nearly a year, and the boxing world eagerly awaits the resolution of this dispute.