In a thrilling and controversial fight, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury managed to maintain his unbeaten record after narrowly defeating former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. The ten-round battle, which took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw Fury survive a knockdown and go on to win by split decision.
A Shocking Debut for Ngannou
Ngannou, 37, made an impressive boxing debut against Fury, 35, outboxing the British champion for much of their bout. The Cameroonian-French fighter surprised everyone with a knockdown in Round 3. Despite this setback, Fury rallied and secured victory through narrow margins (94-95, 96-93, 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."
Controversial Outcome Sparks Debate
Many boxing experts had labeled Ngannou as an underdog in 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 careful not to be 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, maintaining that Ngannou won "by two rounds" and that "Tyson Fury looked like he's never laced a pair of gloves before." Hearn has called for "The Gypsy King" to offer his opponent a rematch or face Britain's two-time world champion Anthony Joshua.
Stats: Fury Wins
Despite Ngannou landing more power punches, 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.
In the final two rounds, Ngannou landed only six punches, while Fury landed 13, which likely swayed the judges' decision. However, Ngannou outperformed Fury in terms of power punches throughout the fight, landing 37 to Fury's 32.
Upcoming Match: Fury vs. Usyk
Following 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 need 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."
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.