In a boxing superfight, the Cameroonian went to the final bell and fought evenly, but was defeated by split decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Former UFC champion, Francis Ngannou debuted in professional boxing with a defeat to Tyson Fury, one of the best boxers today, this Saturday, 28th, in Saudi Arabia. In the superfight held in Riyadh, the Cameroonian took the world heavyweight champion of the sport to the canvas in the third round, went to the final bell and fought on equal terms, but ended up defeated by a split decision from the judges (95-94 Ngannou, 96-93 Fury, 95-94 Fury).
“That (knockdown) wasn’t in the script! Francis is a great fighter, strong and a much better boxer than we expected. He’s a very strange guy, he’s a good puncher, and I respect him a lot. He wasn’t coming forward, he was trying to counterattack and he gave me perhaps my hardest fight in the last 10 years,” stated Fury.
Table Tennis champion of the world ☝🏿 #FuryNgannoupic.twitter.com/HmMZCcVYfR
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) October 29, 2023
UFC heavyweight champion in March 2021, Ngannou caught Fury’s attention for the boxing fight. However, the idea was not accepted by experts, and Dana White, president of Ultimate, refused to release the Cameroonian for the superfight. Francis waited for the end of his contract with the organization to make his dream come true.
“I am really happy. It didn’t end the way I wanted, but I’d like to be grateful for the chance to prove people wrong again. I may be hurt, but I can bite. I’m a fighter and I can fight at any time. This was my first boxing fight, it was a great experience. I won’t make excuses. I will return with more experience and more strength. At first I was nervous, but now I know I can do this s***. Get ready!”, said the Cameroonian.
“I came from a long recovery, from surgery, but I don’t make any excuses. I worked hard, I gave my best, and I know my capabilities. My team and I will see what to improve next. Today it was fear of the water, and now I know what the water temperature is and I’m ready to come here and dominate”, completed.
The superfight was attended by celebrities in Riyadh, such as Ronaldo Fenômeno, Cristiano Ronaldo (Ngannou’s friend), Sadio Mane, Luís Figo It is River Ferdinandfootball stars, as well as rappers Kanye West It is Eminemand the fighters Evander Holyfield, Conor McGregor It is Mike Tyson.
Source: sportbuzz
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
