In a shockingly close and controversial match, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury managed to maintain his undefeated professional record. He won by a split decision over former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in a ten-round boxing fight on Saturday night.
Fury Survives Knockdown
Ngannou, 37, outboxed Fury, 35, for much of their fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The former UFC champion surprised the British boxer with a knockdown in Round 3. Despite this setback, Fury rallied and won by narrow margins (94-95, 96-93, 95-94).
"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
Many boxing experts viewed Ngannou as 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 the 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.
Stats: Fury Wins
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 was likely the deciding factor for the judges. However, Ngannou landed 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, praising 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.
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 has 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." 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.