In a riveting contest held in Riyadh, Tyson Fury, battered and relieved, emerged as the victor in a contentious split-decision against the remarkable Francis Ngannou, who was making his boxing debut. The fight delivered a thrilling clash as Ngannou’s devastating knockdown of Fury in the third round set the stage for a memorable battle.
The judges’ scorecards added to the drama. One judge favored Ngannou with a 95-94 score, while another scored the same in Fury’s favor. The third official’s decision of 96-93 in favor of the WBC world champion left many baffled. This 10-round non-title fight not only dented Fury’s face but also cast doubts on his highly anticipated bout for the undisputed world heavyweight title against Oleksandr Usyk, scheduled for December 23.
Fury was left with a badly swollen eye, raising concerns about his readiness for the title fight. Usyk, holding the IBF, WBA, and WBO titles, stepped into the ring to express his eagerness to fight as planned. However, Fury’s confidence appeared shaken, and his promoter, Frank Warren, acknowledged the need for careful consideration due to the limited time for recovery.
Fury, with 25 years of boxing experience, faced off against Ngannou, who had never boxed professionally before but walked away with a substantial $10 million. While Ngannou graciously accepted his undeserved defeat, the night in Saudi Arabia felt like a tale of misfortune.
Ngannou’s background in Mixed Martial Arts, where he became a respected UFC heavyweight champion, was evident. His left hook in the third round that sent Fury to the canvas was a defining moment. Fury struggled to regain his footing against Ngannou’s composure and determination throughout the fight. Both fighters were marked up as they entered the last three rounds, with Ngannou consistently applying pressure.
Weariness took a toll on Fury, who seemed flat and out of ideas in the final two rounds. He appeared to rely on the judges’ favor rather than pressing the pace. For Ngannou, this fight represented a mountainous challenge, one he was unafraid to confront despite his humble beginnings in Cameroon. His remarkable journey, from a quarry worker to a nightclub bouncer and finally earning a UFC contract in 2015, exemplified his grit and determination.
While purists and romantics may yearn for noble and uplifting moments in boxing, this night was marred by contention. Usyk, who observed Fury’s laborious performance, found encouragement for their impending showdown. However, the uncertainty looms about when the boxing circus will return to Riyadh’s darker shadows.