Controversial Win: Tyson Fury Defeats Francis Ngannou Despite Knockdown
In a tumultuous and debatable match in Riyadh, Tyson Fury narrowly clinched a contentious split-decision victory over the impressive debutant, Francis Ngannou. The judges were divided in their scoring, with one declaring Ngannou the winner at 95-94, while another scored it the same in favour of Fury. The third official favoured Fury with a 96-93 margin, ultimately granting the WBC world heavyweight champion the victory.
The non-title 10-round bout showcased Ngannou’s formidable challenge to Fury. The heavyweight champion found himself tested as Ngannou fiercely and purposefully faced him in the ring. Despite securing the win, Fury bore significant swelling around his left eye, raising concerns about his upcoming title fight against Oleksandr Usyk on December 23.
Usyk, the IBF, WBA, and WBO titleholder, made a post-fight appearance, expressing his readiness for the scheduled bout. While Fury initially seemed willing to engage immediately, his promoter, Frank Warren, hinted at the need for careful consideration due to the limited recovery time before the impending fight with Usyk.
Having boxed for 25 years, Fury’s extensive experience contrasts with Ngannou’s transition from MMA to boxing, earning $10 million for his debut. Although gracious in defeat, it felt as though Ngannou was slightly unlucky, given his remarkable transition and performance.
Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, showcased his fighting spirit throughout the match. Despite Fury’s renowned resilience, the third round saw Ngannou deliver a significant blow to Fury, unsettling the champion and creating a challenge for the rest of the fight. Ngannou’s endurance and confidence pushed Fury into a strenuous battle.
As the fight progressed, both fighters displayed signs of wear and tear, especially around the eyes. Ngannou’s consistent pressure and forceful punches kept Fury on the back foot in the later rounds, dominating the champion in a particularly robust eighth round.
The concluding rounds witnessed Fury’s exhaustion, causing him to seem flat and defensively hesitant. It appeared as though Fury was relying on the judges’ decision to secure his victory rather than pressing the pace.
Ngannou’s journey from poverty in Cameroon to his rise as a UFC champion and eventual foray into boxing was marked by resilience and determination. Despite not securing the win, Ngannou’s extraordinary path from working in a quarry to the world of MMA speaks volumes about his grit.
The controversial and contested nature of the match highlighted the darker shadows of boxing, leaving uncertainty about the timing of future fights and the potential rematch between Fury and Usyk.
