WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury claimed a controversial split decision victory over former UFC fighter Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.
Ngannou, 37, put Fury on the canvas in round three after connecting with a left hook.
But while one judge scored it 95-94 in favour of Ngannou, two gave it to Fury at 96-93 and 95-94. Fury’s WBC heavyweight belt was not on the line.
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Francis Ngannou expressed joy over his performance, noting that he is ready to fight again.
“I’m feeling great. I’m very happy. It didn’t go my way. I want to thank Riyadh Season for giving me the opportunity to prove people wrong once again. I might be wounded, but I can bite. I’m ready to fight any time soon. We can run it back again and I’m sure I’ll get better. This is my first boxing match, I’m not using it as an excuse. At first, I was nervous, this new sport. Now I know I can do it,” he told TNT Sports.
After the victory, Tyson Fury described Ngannou as ‘a hell of a fighter, a strong, great puncher.’
“He’s a very awkward man, a great puncher and I respect him a lot. He wasn’t coming forward, he was standing back and waiting for me. He’s given me probably my toughest fight in 10 years.”
On being knocked down in the third: “I got caught round the back of the head. I wasn’t hurt. I got up and got back to my boxing.”
On the split decision win: “I don’t know how close it was, but I got the win and that’s how it was. You can see it here, ring rust. Fair play to Francis, he cut my head here. It was a good fight.”
What’s next: “I’m going to go home, I’ve been in training camp for 12 weeks. I’ll take a long hard rest and see what’s next for us.”
Meanwhile three-time world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, speaking on TNT Sports: “I thought Tyson Fury won. Ngannou really surprised me, he showed really good poise and patience.”
British middleweight Chris Eubank Jr, writing on X, says: “Watching from ringside I thought Ngannou won the fight. It was close but he was the aggressor, landed heavier shots & scored a knockdown. Fury deserved to lose after having so much trouble against a man who has never boxed before… too much time filming Netflix specials not enough time in the gym I’m guessing. Unlucky Francis”
Conor McGreger speaking to TNT Sports after Tyson Fury’s split decision win over Francis Ngannou: “I loved the shot, caught him on the back of the head. Tyson could not hurt him. Great fight. Heavyweight fighting is exciting. I saw Anthony Joshua and now I’ve seen Fury. Some great fighters in boxing. Add Usyk into that. I wish them all well, fair play to them.”
