Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou: Boxing vs. MMA in a Historic Crossover Fight

 

Watch the highlights of the epic clash between Tyson Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion, and Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, in a 10-round boxing match. See how Fury survived a knockdown and edged Ngannou in a controversial split decision. Learn more about the fight’s background, outcome, and implications for both sports.

Tyson Fury Survives Knockdown and Edges Francis Ngannou in a Controversial Split Decision

Tyson Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion and one of the best boxers in the world, faced an unexpected challenge from Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion and one of the most powerful punchers in mixed martial arts, in a crossover boxing match that took place on October 28, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The fight, billed as Battle of the Baddest, was a 10-round non-title bout that attracted a lot of attention and curiosity from fans of both sports. Many expected Fury to dominate Ngannou with his superior boxing skills and experience, while others wondered if Ngannou could land a knockout blow with his devastating power.

The fight turned out to be a thrilling and competitive affair, with both men showing their strengths and weaknesses. Ngannou surprised many by dropping Fury with a left hook in the second round, sending him to the canvas for the first time since his first fight with Deontay Wilder in 2018. Fury recovered well and got back to his feet, but Ngannou continued to pressure him with aggressive combinations and body shots.

Fury gradually found his rhythm and started to use his jab and footwork to keep Ngannou at bay. He also landed some hard right hands and uppercuts that rocked Ngannou several times. Fury seemed to take control of the fight in the middle rounds, but Ngannou refused to back down and kept coming forward.

The final rounds were close and tense, with both fighters looking for an opening to finish the fight. Fury was more accurate and composed, while Ngannou was more active and relentless. The fight went the distance and the judges had to decide the winner.

The decision was controversial and split. Two judges scored the fight 96-93 for Fury, while one judge scored it 95-94 for Ngannou. The crowd booed loudly as Fury was announced as the winner by split decision. Many fans and experts disagreed with the outcome and felt that Ngannou deserved to win or at least get a draw.

Fury admitted that it was a tough fight and praised Ngannou for his performance. He said he was looking forward to his next fight against Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion, which was scheduled for December 23, 2023. Ngannou said he was robbed by the judges and hoped for a rematch against Fury. He also said he was proud of his boxing debut and thanked his fans for their support.

The fight was a historic event that showcased the skills and courage of two of the best fighters in their respective sports. It also raised questions about the judging criteria and the future of crossover fights between boxing and MMA. Regardless of the result, both Fury and Ngannou earned respect and admiration from fans around the world.