In a night filled with tension and controversy, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury staved off a knockdown and managed to secure a split decision victory over former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. The ten-round bout took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and marked Ngannou's boxing debut.
Fury Survives Knockdown
Ngannou, 37, outboxed Fury, 35, for the majority of their match. He shocked the British champion with a knockdown in Round 3. Despite this setback, Fury rallied and won by narrow margins (94-95, 96-93, 95-94), successfully avoiding the first loss of his professional career.
"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 experts labeled Ngannou as the underdog for the event, yet believe "The Predator" was wrongfully denied the win. He fought with discipline and aggression but maintained control, not letting recklessness take over his strategy.
The boxing website Bad Left Hook reported that Fury was not in peak physical condition. His stamina seemed notably lacking in the early rounds, leading to questions about his preparation for the fight.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn echoed these sentiments. Hearn asserted that Ngannou won "by two rounds" and 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.
Stats: Fury Wins
While Ngannou, the Cameroonian-French fighter, landed more power punches, the latest stats revealed that Fury managed to land 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. This discrepancy 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, acknowledging his contender.
Upcoming Match: Fury vs. 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 due to his injury.
"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.
Usyk, however, insisted that the fight with Fury take place on the agreed date of December 23. The negotiations for the fight had lasted for nearly a year, and Usyk argued that Fury should vacate his title if he could not fight on the agreed date.