DID NGANNOU BEAT FURY ?
A resilient Tyson Fury, marked by battle scars and a sense of relief, secured a contentious split-decision victory over the extraordinary Francis Ngannou in their debut boxing match held in Riyadh. One of the judges believed that Ngannou, who had sent Fury sprawling to the canvas with a powerful punch in the third round, had won with a score of 95-94. The second judge concurred but in favor of Fury, maintaining the same score, while the third official's scorecard showed a 96-93 margin in favor of the reigning WBC world heavyweight champion. In this intense 10-round non-title bout, Ngannou managed to put a dent in Fury's reputation by showcasing his unwavering determination and fiery spirit.
Fury's left eye was notably swollen, raising doubts about his highly anticipated fight for the undisputed world title against Oleksandr Usyk scheduled for December 23rd. Usyk, the holder of IBF, WBA, and WBO titles, entered the ring afterward to affirm his readiness for the agreed-upon date. Although Fury initially expressed eagerness for an immediate showdown, his enthusiasm waned as the moment approached. Frank Warren, Fury's promoter, emphasized the need for careful consideration, given the limited time for Fury to recover from his bruising encounter with Ngannou in less than two months.
Fury's boxing journey spans 25 years, starting at the age of 10 when he first walked into a gym. His current status as the world heavyweight champion barely scratches the surface of his vast experience and ring knowledge. In contrast, Ngannou had never ventured into professional boxing until he entered the ring, earning a substantial $10 million for his efforts. Despite his gracious acceptance of defeat, it felt as though Ngannou had encountered misfortune on a fateful night in Saudi Arabia.
Ngannou, a fighter to his core, had previously built an impressive career in the demanding world of mixed martial arts, earning him recognition as a UFC heavyweight champion. In the dramatic third round, a powerful overhead left connected with Fury's temple, causing him to hit the canvas. Fury, displaying his resilience, rose to his feet, but Ngannou, composed and resolute, surged with confidence.
Rather than the expected display of boxing prowess, Fury struggled to keep pace with a man who had weathered numerous challenges both in and out of the MMA cage. Ngannou's determination shone brightly on this eventful night. As they entered the final three rounds, both fighters bore the marks of the battle around their puffy, bruised eyes. In the eighth round, Ngannou landed a decisive left and a series of powerful combinations that left the boxing champion looking disheveled. It was a significant round for Ngannou.
Fury appeared sluggish and devoid of strategies as a subdued and almost bewildered crowd observed the last two rounds. Fatigue took its toll, and Fury made no effort to dictate the tempo, seemingly relying on the judges to protect his fate with their decision.
Before the bout, Ngannou had acknowledged the monumental challenge of facing Fury but emphasized, "I am not afraid of mountains – I have been climbing them all my life." Born into poverty in a Cameroonian village, Ngannou began working in a quarry at the tender age of 10. Life did not get easier, and at 26 in 2012, he embarked on a journey to Paris, hoping to learn the art of boxing. He faced a brief stint in prison as a refugee before finding work as a nightclub bouncer and opportunities in France's low-key MMA scene. Ngannou displayed extraordinary grit and determination, earning a contract with the UFC in 2015. His boxing debut was a near triumph.
For the dwindling group of boxing enthusiasts who still cling to the belief that boxing can be a noble and uplifting sport, this night was marred by controversy. Usyk undoubtedly found inspiration in Fury's challenging performance, but the return of the circus to Riyadh and the world of boxing remains uncertain, cast in darker shadows.
Finesse Boxing
