How Tyson Fury survived a stunning Francis Ngannou knockdown in controversial split decision win
Tyson Fury was forced to get up off the canvas as he claimed an incredibly controversial split decision victory over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.
Ngannou, making his professional boxing debut, took Fury the distance and put his opponent on the canvas in round three after connecting with a left hook.
Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion of the world, was able to recover but ended the fight with a cut forehead, as well as a small mark underneath his left eye.
But while one judge scored it 95-94 in favour of the boxing novice Ngannou, two gave it to Fury at 96-93 and 95-94, preserving his undefeated record.
“That definitely wasn't in the script,” Fury said immediately afterwards. “Francis is a hell of a fighter, strong, a big puncher and a lot better boxer than we all thought he would ever be.”
Fury’s victory means he will next face the WBA, IBF and WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk, with both men attempting to become the first heavyweight since Lennox Lewis to hold the undisputed championship.
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