The world heavyweight boxing champion, Tyson Fury, defeated mixed martial arts fighter Francis Ngannou by split decision in a boxing match that went the full distance in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
In round three, Ngannou managed to knock Fury to the canvas, causing the 35-year-old British fighter to wobble, yet he managed to persevere.
Despite having earlier derided his adversary as a “big fat sausage,” Fury, who has an unblemished record, later admitted that the 37-year-old Cameroonian effectively disrupted his rhythm.
“He’s a very awkward man, and he’s a good puncher and I respect him a lot,” Fury commented on Ngannou, noting that it was “probably one of the toughest” bouts he has encountered in the past ten years.
Despite being a significant favorite, Fury faced the boxing newcomer Ngannou.
“This was my first boxing match, great experience –- I’m not giving any excuse,” Ngannou said in a ringside interview.
“I know I come up short, I’m going to come back and work harder… now I know I can do this.”
Fury’s WBC heavyweight title wasn’t up for grabs during the “Battle of the Baddest” in Riyadh, the Saudi capital. Nevertheless, Saudi authorities had aspirations of enhancing the Gulf kingdom’s reputation as a premier boxing destination.
To lend the contest more sporting legitimacy, all parties involved were eager to do so. The WBC introduced a special “Riyadh Champion” belt, giving the victor something other than a substantial financial reward to showcase in the ring.
Fury has been associated with a £50 million ($60.6 million) payday from the exhibition bout held on Sunday. He mentioned in the British media that Ngannou would earn £10 million.