Tyson Fury has conceded that Francis Ngannou presented a more formidable challenge than he initially anticipated, ultimately securing a contentious split-decision triumph.
The Gypsy King, aged 35, experienced a knockdown in the third round from a powerful left hook but managed to recover, ultimately winning with scores of 96-93 and 95-94 on two judges’ cards. The third judge scored it 95-94 in favor of Ngannou.
It’s important to note that Fury’s WBC title was not at stake during this crossover event against the former UFC heavyweight champion, which took place in Saudi Arabia.
He said: “That definitely wasn’t in the script.
“He’s given me probably one of my toughest fights in the last 10 years.
“Francis is a hell of a fighter, strong, big puncher, and a lot better boxer than we all thought he would be.
“He’s a very awkward man and he’s a good puncher and I respect him a lot.”
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Ngannou, aged 37, accepted the decision with sportsmanship and issued a warning to the boxing world, signaling his growing affinity for the art of pugilism.
He said: “It didn’t go my way.
“I might have come up short today. I’ll come back. Now I know I can do this.
“We can run it back again and I’m sure I’m going to get better.
“Get ready. The wolf is in the house. I’m going to bite some sheep.”
Even though Ngannou has expressed his desire for a rematch, Fury’s attention is currently directed towards his upcoming heavyweight title unification bout against Oleksandr Usyk. The two fighters are scheduled to clash in December, and after the close call in their recent match, there’s speculation that their war of words could potentially postpone the fight.