There is fierce debate over the scorecards
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02 November 2023 , 11:10
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Tyson Fury had to get up off the canvas before grinding his way to a highly unconvincing split decision win over Francis Ngannou in their heavyweight showdown in Saudi Arabia.
What appeared a mismatch between the WBC champion and a mixed martial artist boxing professionally for the first time did not go according to plan for Fury, who was decked by a left hook in the third round. Despite rising to his feet almost immediately, Fury was on unsteady legs in the moments afterwards before getting behind his jab, keen to stay out of range of the former UFC heavyweight champion.
Fury ate a few more big shots and ended the fight with a cut above his forehead and a welt under his left eye – which could have an impact on a proposed showdown against Oleksandr Usyk on December 23. But the Briton, whose world title was not on the line, was spared what would have been one of the biggest upsets of all-time after being given the nod 96-93 and 95-94 on two scorecards, as the third judge sided with Ngannou 95-94 following an unexpectedly keenly contested 10-round encounter.
Donagh Corby
Donagh Corby
Fury and Usyk go head-to-head
December 23 date is what the promoters and Usyk want, but let's see how Fury handles this and returns
Deontay Wilder offers advice to Manny Pacquiao's son ahead of latest fight
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Francis Ngannou speaks
"I feel great, fantastic. I'm very happy, it didn't go my way but I want to thank Riyadh Season and Turk Al-Sheikh.
"I might have come up short today, I might be wounded but I can bite, I'm just a fighter and I'm ready to fight any time soon.
"We can run it back soon and I'm sure I can do better. This was my first boxing match, I'm not making excuses but I can come back even stronger.
"At first I was nervous, a new sport, I didn't know if I could do this but now I know I can do this s***... I'm going to buy some s***!"
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"That wasn't in the script!"
Tyson Fury seems to be in disbelief himself that he's been given the decision.
The broadcast is really trying to push this Usyk fight, it won't be happening on December 23.
KEY EVENT
Tyson Fury beats Francis Ngannou by Split Decision
Wow! No matter what those scorecards say, Francis Ngannou is a true champion!
Fury gets through by one point on one scorecard, there will be folks calling it a robbery.
What a sporting story we have seen here tonight!
KEY EVENT
Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou - Round 10
The crowd chant Francis Ngannou's name, he looks just as fresh as ever.
Tyson Fury proposes Cristiano Ronaldo job for Tommy if he loses to Jake Paul
Now Ngannou is even doing the tiniest bit of showboating.
Fury working on the outside still, he doesn't seem to have any urgency.
Ngannou looking for one last big one towards the end and goes for a superman punch!
That's an Ngannou round in my books, I haven't been scoring consistently but there's a chance Francis Ngannou has won this!
KEY EVENT
Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou - Round 9
A slow paced round with much less action.
Fury still struggling to find his rhythm as we head, somehow, to the tenth and final round.
KEY EVENT
Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou - Round 8
Fury not upping the tempo yet, Ngannou actually landed a big left hand while his rival was backing into the corner.
It cannot be said enough how much of a surprise this is to see.
Ngannou has not been hurt, has not been touched with a particularly big shot, but Tyson Fury.
Fury is the one bleeding, he's the one who gets hit with the big punches!
Ngannou piling the pressure on now as we head towards the ninth.
KEY EVENT
Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou - Round 7
Who ever thought we'd get here, round seven with Ngannou in with a shot.
And he lands a huge right hand to start the round!
Fury is down again, not a knockdown but definitely showing signs of frustration!
As the round ends, there's a very good chance that Ngannou has won that round as well. This is a very, very even fight.
KEY EVENT
Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou - Round 6
We're past the halfway point and there is an argument to be made that Ngannou is winning this fight!
Ngannou piles forward with an attack there, pushing Fury back against the ropes without landing.
Fury not as in control as he would like, he's marked up, he's been down and this is not going the boxer's way!
KEY EVENT
Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou - Round 5
Fury is definitely surprised by what Ngannou is bringing here.
The MMA fighter appears to be getting just a little bit sloppy.
This Hollywood story cotninues!
Fury lands a snappy combination that sends Ngannou's head back!
He's starting to get back in control and find his rhythm now.
KEY EVENT
Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou - Round 4
Ngannou growing in confidence now as he attacks early.
Fury not too spooked though, sticking to his gameplan.
Ngannou rocks Fury again up at the ropes, this is truly unbelievable!
The fourth round is a good Ngannou one, could he be in the lead here as we hit the fifth?
KEY EVENT
Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou - Round 3
There is definitely a mark on Fury's forehead.
Ngannou lands a little left that makes Fury think twice.
And he gets a big left hook off! Fury wears it well and lands himself, but Ngannou is in this fight!
Fury switching stances a lot to confuse Ngannou, AND DOWN GOES FURY!
NGANNOU LANDS A BIG COUNTER LEFT HOOK AND FURY IS DOWN!
All level now with that 10-8, what a moment!
KEY EVENT
Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou - Round 2
Ngannou is not chasing after Fury too much, but he tries it there about 40 seconds in.
Ngannou lands an uppercut in the clinch and Fury having a little feel of his eye.
The speed difference is visible, but Ngannou is holding his own and landing some of his own.
Ngannou has said that he won't give out his gameplan, but he never made it much of a secret that he loves the right uppercut.
Another Fury round, but we head to the third.
KEY EVENT
Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou - Round 1
Somehow we have made it to this point, UFC's lineal champion vs Boxing's.
Fury straight out with a big shot at Ngannou, who seems a bit more timid.
Ngannou is so stiff in comparison to Fury, the skill difference already evident.
Nothing massive in the opening few minutes, but Ngannou is taking his time.
Overhand right from Fury, and Ngannou fires one back.
Ngannou makes it out of the first!
Donagh Corby
Anthems out of the way
The time is now!
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Three national anthems!
That's something else. Saudi Arabian anthem first, then Cameroon and finally God Save The King.
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Tyson Fury is in the ring with Francis Ngannou
The time has come!
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Fury walks out to Pretty Woman
He's soaking in this walk a bit more than his last few.
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Now here comes Tyson Fury
He emerges from the dressing room to a guard of honour from boxing royalty.
What a show this has been
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Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya join Ngannou for the walk
Africa's MMA greats make the walk to the ring as Drake's God's Plan blares out in Riyadh.
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Two robes for Ngannou
Iron Mike in his suit removes Ngannou's crown as he emerges on a throne for the fight.
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Ring walk time!
Finally, Michael Buffer is in the ring and announcing a ring walk.
Here comes Francis Ngannou first
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Fury is preparing to make the walk
Mercifully, this waiting period may be over!
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More stalling for time
We're hearing from Amir Khan now, the ring walks were due to start 15 minutes ago!
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The opening ceremony is over
But don't let that fool you, we still have time to kill!
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The ring emerges from the ground
That was one unbelievable show.
Donagh Corby
The opening ceremony continues
This fight won't be starting any time soon!
Donagh Corby
Now it's time for Lil Baby
Someone I've heard of!
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The opening ceremony is underway
Flowdan performs his song Killer In The Jungle. It's a serious production.