WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury claimed a controversial split decision victory over former UFC fighter Francis Ngannou in a bout in Saudi Arabia.
Ngannou knocked down Fury in the 3rd round with a left hook, but two judges scored it for Fury 96-93 and 95-94 while one had it 95-94 for Ngannou.
Fury said he got caught behind the head for the knockdown but wasn’t hurt, and credited Ngannou as an awkward, powerful puncher.
The fight saw Ngannou, in his pro boxing debut, start tentatively while Fury was content with a slow pace. But Ngannou showed his power in round 2, cutting Fury’s forehead.
After the knockdown, Fury struggled to find rhythm until round 5 when he landed a combination on Ngannou. Ngannou remained dangerous, landing heavy shots in later rounds.
Fury appeared desperate in round 7, missing Ngannou and falling to his knees. Ngannou boxed smartly when closing distance.
Fury’s face showed damage at the final bell, but he controversially got the decision to remain unbeaten. Ngannou said he had a short camp and injury, but will improve.
The win keeps a unification bout with Oleksandr Usyk on tap for Fury. But with cuts and bruises, Fury may struggle to recover for a December timeline.