Had Been Knocked Out And Almost Humiliated, Tyson Fury Beats Ngannou With Split Decision

Heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury beat Francis Ngannou with split decision numbers. (Instagram @francisngannou)

JAKARTA - WBC heavyweight defending champion Tyson Fury defeated former UFC champion Francis Ngannou with a split decision or split decision in a non-degree fight at the Riyadh Arena, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, October 29 morning WIB. Fury was hit by a knockout in a 10-round battle, but he successfully won a victory that sparked debate.

Unbeaten Fury almost got embarrassed. He almost lost his first in a boxing career. Interestingly, the opponent he faced, Ngannou, was 37 years old.

Not only that, Ngannou has never really fought as a professional boxer. But in that fight, he was able to trouble Fury. Even Ngannou with a left hook had brought down Fury in the third round.

Even though he was hit by a knockout, Fury was able to get up and finish the duel by winning. However, the 35-year-old boxer nicknamed Gypsy King failed to win absolutely

"Frankly this is beyond scenario," Fury said after two judges won him by giving the numbers 96-93 and 95-94. Meanwhile, one referee won Ngannou with 95-94.

"He is a great fighter and in our opinion he is greater than most boxers themselves. His punches are very good and strong. I respect him," Fury said again.

Fury further admitted that Ngannou was the toughest opponent he had faced in the last 10 years. "He forced me to have the toughest fight in 10 years," he said.

Despite a tight fight and being able to attract attention, Fury made sure he would not do a rematch. However, he remains ready to fight Ngannou again after facing Oleksandr Usyk. This boxer from Ukraine holds the IBF, IBO, WBO and WBA championship belts.

The duel is planned to be held in Riyadh. However, the match schedule has not yet been set. However, the two boxers stated the duel was held on December 23.

Responding to the match, Usyk, who witnessed Fury's fight against Ngannou, expressed his readiness.

Meanwhile, Ngannou revealed that he only had three and a half months of preparation before facing Fury. In addition, he was injured in his preparation.

"But that's not an excuse. What's especially, I have to improve my appearance so that I can perform better in the upcoming match," said Ngannou.

Ngannou is apparently still curious and wants to return to competing in the boxing ring. "I know I can do it. I'm ready," he said.