Tyson Fury Barely Gets By Francis Ngannou

In a result that was certainly not expected by many, Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) defeated Francis Ngannou (0-1, 0 KOs) via split decision. A score of 95-94 for Ngannou was overturned by scores of 96-93 and 95-94 for Fury in a sanctioned ten-round heavyweight clash. The fight headlined a card promoted by Queensberry Promotions, Top Rank and Francis Ngannou’s GIMIK Fight Promotions. ESPN+ broadcasted the event in the USA, TNT Sports in the UK, and DAZN in remaining markets.

The fight began with Fury immediately throwing a right hand at Ngannou. Both men used the first round to find their range. Out of all the punches that were landed in round one, Fury’s were the more impactful. For the most part, however, the two pawed at each other. This continued into round two.

In a surprising turn of events, Ngannou sent Fury to the canvas with an overhand left in the final minute of round three. Fury was able to get up but maintained his distance for the remainder of the round. Fury did not appear shaken, but he was cautious of Ngannou’s power. Ngannou’s power appeared to impact Fury’s approach to the fight. Despite being the more inexperienced of the two in boxing, Ngannou was able to bloody the face of Fury.

NGANNOU JUST DROPPED FURY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!#FuryNgannou | #BattleOfTheBaddest | https://t.co/2heUqaYy86 pic.twitter.com/T4CPTH6hc9

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) October 28, 2023

In the end, two of the judges saw Fury as the victor. Although Ngannou got the knockdown in round three, Fury’s higher rate of activity helped him get the win. In all honesty, it was a disappointing performance from Fury and a surprisingly good effort from Ngannou, who was boxing professionally for the first time.

Post-fight comments

“He was very awkward,” said Fury. “He wasn’t coming forward, he was standing that way for me to land my punches and then try to counter. He was a good fighter. He’s given me, probably, one of my toughest fights in the last ten years.”

“I came out from a long recovery, long surgery,” said Ngannou. “My training camp was three months and a half, but, I’m not giving any excuse. I work hard, I give my best and I know that I can work harder. I know myself, I know my dedication. I’m gonna go back and we’re gonna go back with my team and look what we can do next to improve our game and come back higher again.

Fury-Ngannou undercard results

In a 12-round clash that had the British and Commonwealth titles on the line, Fabio Wardley (17-0, 16 KOs) stopped David Adeleye (12-1, 11 KOs) in round seven. Wardley dropped Adeleye once in the seventh round before referee John Latham stepped in to stop the fight at the 2:43 mark.

IT’S OVER.@FabioWardley stops David Adeleye via R7 TKO 😱 #FuryNgannou pic.twitter.com/IgqKZJYelw

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) October 28, 2023

Joseph Parker (33-3, 23 KOs) picked up his third win of the year with a knockout of Simon Kean (23-2, 22 KOs). The time of stoppage of this ten-round heavyweight fight was 2:04 of round three.

Arslanbek Makhmudov (18-0, 17 KOs) stopped Junior Wright (20-5-1, 17 KOs) in the opening round of a ten-round heavyweight clash. The time of stoppage was 1:10.

Opening the PPV was a six-round heavyweight fight between Moses Itauma (6-0, 4 KOs) and Istvan Bernath (10-2, 8 KOs). Itauma emerged victorious with a first round technical knockout. Bernath went to the canvas once before referee Latham stopped the fight at the 1:53 mark.

Just before the PPV portion began, Martin Bakole (20-1, 15 KOs) defeated Carlos Takam (40-8-1, 28 KOs) via fourth round technical knockout. Referee Lee Every stepped in to halt the ten-round heavyweight bout at the 2:15 mark.

In an eight-round super welterweight clash, Jack McGann (9-0-1, 6 KOs) stopped Alcibiade Durán (12-4, 9 KOs) in round two.