In a thrilling and controversial bout, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury survived a knockdown to secure a split decision victory over former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. The ten-round fight took place on Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking Ngannou's boxing debut.
A Controversial Decision
Ngannou, 37, outboxed Fury, 35, for much of the fight, even managing to knock down the British champion in Round 3. Despite this, Fury rallied and won by narrow margins with scores of 94-95, 96-93, and 95-94, thereby 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."
Many boxing experts had labeled Ngannou as the underdog for the event. However, post-fight analysis suggests that "The Predator" may have been wrongfully denied the win. He fought with discipline and aggression but was not reckless in his approach.
Questions Over Fury's Condition
The boxing website Bad Left Hook reported that Fury was not in peak physical condition, with his stamina notably lacking in the early rounds. Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn echoed this sentiment, maintaining 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.
The Stats: Fury Wins
Despite the controversy, the latest stats have 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.
Ngannou landed only six punches in the final two rounds, while Fury landed 13, which was likely the deciding factor for the judges. However, Ngannou landed 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.
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 has 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.
Usyk, however, 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.