Tyson Fury narrowly avoided one of the biggest upsets in combat sports history by securing a split decision victory over Francis Ngannou in their heavyweight clash in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Despite being knocked down in the third round by the former UFC fighter, who was making his professional boxing debut, Fury displayed resilience and determination as he went the distance and emerged triumphant after 10 fiercely contested rounds.
The judges scored the bout 96-93, 95-94 in favour of Fury on two scorecards, while Ngannou secured a 95-94 victory on the remaining card. In the opening round, Ngannou cautiously employed his jab, while Fury opted for a slow start to assess his opponent.
However, in the second round, Fury experienced the power of Ngannou’s punches, resulting in a cut on his forehead from a left hook. The Gypsy King appeared unprepared and sluggish, and in the third round, he was knocked down when struck behind the right ear by the same punch.
Struggling to regain his rhythm, Fury faced adversity until the fifth round when he successfully connected with a straight one-two combination, momentarily shifting the momentum in his favor. Despite facing resistance from Fury’s improved boxing at range and effective use of his jab, Ngannou managed to land heavy punches in the later rounds.
“That definitely wasn’t in the script,” Fury told TNT Sports.
“I got caught round the back of the head [for the knockdown]. I wasn’t hurt. I got up and got back to my boxing.
“He’s an awkward man and a good puncher and I respect him a lot. He’s given me one of my toughest fights of the last 10 years.”
