In a fight that has sparked controversy and debate, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury managed to hold onto his title after a split decision victory over former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. The bout took place on Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Fury Survives Knockdown
Ngannou, 37, making his boxing debut, outboxed Fury, 35, for a significant portion of their ten-round contest. He even shocked the British champion with a knockdown in Round 3. However, Fury rallied and won by narrow margins (94-95, 96-93, 95-94), thus 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
The boxing world was taken aback as many experts had labelled Ngannou as an underdog in the event. However, "The Predator", as Ngannou is known, fought with discipline and aggression, but without recklessness. Many believe he was wrongfully denied the win.
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 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 on Points
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, likely the deciding factor for the judges. 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, setting up their next potential clash. Both fighters are unbeaten and hold unified heavyweight titles. The rumored date for their match 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." 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.