Fury Survives Knockdown to Defeat Ngannou in Controversial Split Decision
In an electrifying bout on Saturday night, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury managed to maintain his undefeated record. He survived a knockdown and beat former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou by a split decision over ten rounds. However, this victory was not without controversy.
Ngannou, 37, showcased impressive boxing skills in his debut match against the 35-year-old British champion. The fight took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Ngannou surprised everyone, including Fury, with a knockdown in Round 3. Despite this setback, Fury rallied back to win by narrow margins (94-95, 96-93, 95-94), thereby avoiding the first loss of his professional career.
Respect Between Fighters
"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," Fury said 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 the Decision
Many boxing experts considered Ngannou an underdog in the event and believe "The Predator" was wrongfully denied the win. He fought with discipline and aggression, but he wasn't reckless in his approach.
The boxing website Bad Left Hook reported that Fury was not in peak physical condition. His stamina was 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.
Match Statistics
While the Cameroonian-French Ngannou landed more power punches, the latest stats revealed that his opponent 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 likely influenced the judges' decision. However, Ngannou did land more power punches throughout the fight, 37 to 32.
Upcoming Match: Fury vs. Usyk
Following the bout, Oleksandr Usyk, Fury's next scheduled opponent, entered the ring. 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.
"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. He argued that if Fury could not fight on the agreed date, he should vacate his title.