In a surprising turn of events, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury managed to retain his title after surviving a knockdown and beating former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in a controversial ten-round fight. The bout took place on Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking Ngannou's boxing debut.
Ngannou Shocks Fury with Knockdown
Despite being an underdog, the 37-year-old Ngannou outboxed Fury, 35, for much of their fight. He shocked the British champion with a knockdown in Round 3. However, Fury rallied back, winning by narrow margins (94-95, 96-93, 95-94) and 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 Over Decision
Many boxing experts, who had initially considered Ngannou an underdog, believe "The Predator" was wrongfully denied the win. He fought with discipline and aggression but wasn't reckless in his approach. 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. Hearn maintained 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.
Fury Prevails in Stats
According to Compubox, Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) landed 71 of 223 punches, while Ngannou (0-1) landed 59 of 231. Despite Ngannou landing more power punches throughout the fight (37 to 32), Fury was the more active fighter in six of ten rounds, with Ngannou edging three and one round tied. The deciding factor for the judges likely came in the final two rounds, where Ngannou landed only six punches compared to Fury's 13.
"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. However, 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. 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."
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.