Tyson Fury won his fight against Francis Ngannou on points at the last minute on the night of Saturday to Sunday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A success snatched two judges to one (95-94, 95-94, 93-96) by the WBC world champion who was nevertheless the big favorite before the shock against the Cameroonian who was competing in his first boxing fight.
MMA legend, Ngannou did better than defend himself by even sending the Briton to the mat in the third round, then standing up to the best current heavyweight even if he was in physical difficulty before with a burst of pride in the 8th round (out of 10).
The judges’ verdict was not to the taste of Francis Ngannou’s fans who cried foul on social networks, like singer Matt Pokora convinced that a defeat for Fury would have caused chaos in the world of boxing . “This is exactly why I don’t watch boxing. Come on, man!” Former England striker Gary Lineker was blunt in commenting on the outcome of the fight: “We just witnessed a robbery.”
Unsurprisingly, Mike Tyson, who has trained Ngannou in recent weeks, made his colt the big winner of the evening. “The real champion of tonight @francis_ngannou. I’m so proud of you,” wrote the former heavyweight world champion.
Ilies Mkt, Founder of the media @koveurofficiel and a voice heard in combat sports, also praised the performance of the Cameroonian colossus (37 years old, 123 kg, 1.93 m). Many anonymous Internet users shared his opinion. “No debate about it. Victory for Francis Ngannou,” assures Malone. “Stolen victory,” regrets a certain Emrick Dautricourt. “Francis pushed Fury many times and knocked him to the ground, he deserved at least a draw,” regrets an internet user, Karina. “Ngannou was stolen. They had to save the face of boxing. Boxing exploded tonight,” says notNotorius. “An absolute parody, I love Tyson Fury but he has never won this,” laments Josh Keeble Wells on social networks.
The main person concerned, Francis Ngannou, showed great class just after the fight despite the verdict which was unfavorable to him: “I am very happy. I didn’t receive the victory but I thank (the organizers) for giving me this opportunity. I did not win tonight, I am a wounded beast but not defeated, I am ready to fight at any time and I am sure that I will improve”, before announcing to the fans of the noble art: “ Get ready.” A little later, “The Predator” also challenged the referees’ opinion by saying on his X account: “Tyson Fury should thank these two judges because I did not win this fight”.
