Francis Ngannou Knocks Down Tyson Fury in the Third, Loses Split Decision – Fury vs. Ngannou Results (Highlights)

'The Predator' planted Fury on the canvas in round three, but came up short of the victory, suffering a split decision loss in his pro boxing debut

Written by Craig Pekios
Last updated on October 28th, 2023
Francis Ngannou
Courtesy of @trboxing on X

Former UFC heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou made his long-awaited return to combat sports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Nearly two years removed from his last appearance inside the Octagon, Ngannou strapped on the eight-ounce gloves for a highly anticipated clash with reigning WBC heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury. Emanating from Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Fury, and Ngannou went toe-to-toe in an event witnessed by some of the biggest names in both sports and entertainment, including ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, Conor McGregor, Manny Pacquiao, Kanye West, and Eminem. 

Round 1

Tyson Fury immediately comes out swinging the right hand and showing some aggressiveness. Another right hand from Fury as Ngannou jabs to the body. Big overhand right from Ngannou partially lands as he looks to close the distance early and make the ring small for Fury. Both fighters look to establish the jab as things begin to settle. A left from Ngannou glances off Fury as Ngannou continues to test out the distance between himself and his opponent. 

Ngannou rips to the body as Fury circles away from the ropes. Fury responds with a right hand over the top that tags Ngannou. ‘The Predator’ snaps back with a right hand of his own. The first round comes to a close with both fighters jawing at one another.

Round 2

The second round begins with Francis Ngannou looking to push the pace. Ngannou works his way to the inside, but Fury works his way out to the right. Ngannou is looking fairly quick in the early going and ‘The Predator’ lands a big left hand as Fury was dipping in. Fury is now bleeding right above his left brow line. Fury switches to southpaw and they nearly clash ahead as Fury attempts to move inside. 

Fury begins closing the distance and clinching up, hoping to wear on his opponent as the fight progresses. The second round ends with both men in the center of the ring and Tyson Fury wearing a little bit of damage on his forehead.

Round 3

Ngannou opens the third with a jab to the body. Ngannou goes to the body of Fury and then upstairs, popping the champ’s head back with a quick jab. Fury moves in but quickly decides to back out, dropping his hands in the process which allows Ngannou to strike with a solid right hand. Fury again switches stands and goes to the jab, but is struggling to find his rhythm. Fury clinches before going back to his jab. Fury moves in with a lead right, but can’t connect. 

Fury once again clinches up and delivers a 1-2, but Ngannou fires back with a left hook that sends Fury crashing to the canvas. Fury answers the 10-count and the fight resumes with Ngannou slowly stalking Fury as the round comes to an end. 

Round 4

Ngannou comes out with a right hand and looks to be full of confidence after putting Fury on the man in the third round. Ngannou rips to the body of Fury as things begin to heat up between the two combat sports icons. A jab from Fury lands. ‘The Gypsy King’ looks to close the distance and weigh on Ngannou once again. Fury again goes on the attack, but the power of Fury appears to be causing fits for Fury who finds himself being knocked back from a counter right hand. 

A two-punch combo from Fury lands and he fires once again with a 1-2 that connects. Fury is starting to find his groove with solid back-to-back attacks. Sweeping right hand from Fury misses the mark and Ngannou responds with a jab to the body just before the bell sounds. 

Round 5

The beginning of round five sees both fighters taking their time, perhaps preserving some energy. Ngannou moves in and delivers a right hand that nearly takes Fury off balance. Fury comes charging in and the fighters wrap up. Ngannou goes to the body and Fury comes back with and right hand over the top that connects. Ngannou moves in and Fury uses it as an opportunity to attack the body of Ngannou. 

An uppercut from Fury nearly lands, but Ngannou avoids the danger in close. 1-2 from Fury lands and he tries to land another right hand as Ngannou fires back. ‘The Predator’ is beginning to look a little labored as the fifth round comes to a close.

Round 6

Fury comes out leading with a jab. Ngannou attempts to fire back with a big right hand that misses. Another long right hand from Ngannou fails to connect as Fury fires back with a jab. Ngannou moves in with a flurry of strikes and narrowly misses with a big uppercut in close. Ngannou lands a short right hand sending Fury backwards. Fury responds by going back to the jab as Ngannou continues to look for an opening to land another power shot. 

Ngannou throws another right hand as the round comes to a close. Neither fighter looks particularly interested in taking any big risks as they enter the backend of the bout. 

Round 7

Fury comes out for round seven looking a little frustrated as Ngannou gets things started with a big right hand. A powerful left from Ngannou lands, moving Fury back against the ropes. 1-2 to the body from Ngannou as Fury is hesitant to pull the trigger. Fury rushes in and closes the distance, but fails to land anything of substance. A short right hand from Fury connects and ‘The Gypsy King’ rushes in forcing a clinch against the ropes. Ngannou ends the round with a right hand as Fury opts to sit back and parry his jab. 

Round 8

Tyson Fury comes out aggressive in the eighth, landing a right hand as Ngannou fell forward. Ngannou comes marching in looking for another big right hand, backing Fury into the corner. Fury clinches and the fighters return to the center with Fury doubling up on the jab. Fury moves in and Ngannou responds with a short left hand. Ngannou throws a 1-2 that lands and continues firing. Fury fires back with a right hand. Fury looks weathered and Ngannou can sense it. 

‘The Predator’ turns up the heat as Fury begins bleeding from his nose. Fury looks completely exhausted as he attempts to fire back late in the round, but it appears the damage has already been done. 

Round 9

Francis Ngannou comes out with a slick straight left hand that connects. Fury lands a jab followed by a right hand as Ngannou looks to counter. Seconds pass with neither man offering any offense. Despite a knockout and a particularly bad seventh round, Fury is showing absolutely no urgency. Fury throws a big hook that Ngannou blocks. ‘The Predator’ attempts to close the distance without getting peppered by Fury’s jab. 

Fury continues to pump the jab as Ngannou sits back looking for an opportunity to unload his right hand. The bell sounds with both men standing in the center of the ring. 

Round 10

Going into the final round, the live odds have Francis Ngannou favored to win the fight. Both fighters come out for the 10th looking ready to put an exclamation point on their performances. Ngannou starts with a left hook that just misses the mark. Ngannou is dancing around and avoids the jab of Fury. A straight left from Ngannou sends Fury backward. A jab from Fury lands, followed by another.

Ngannou throws a left, but there’s not much on it. Ngannou moves on and throws a Superman punch near the ropes. With 10 seconds to go, both men are content to let the time expire and see how things play out on the scorecards. 

Official Result: Tyson Fury def. Francis Ngannou via split decision (94-95, 96-93, 94-95)

Check Out Highlights From Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury Below:

 

Published on October 28, 2023 at 7:36 pm
Stay up-to-date with the latest MMA news, rumors, and updates by following the RED Monster on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, don't forget to add MiddleEasy to your Google News feed Follow us on Google News for even more coverage.
FlipboardRedditWhatsAppPinterestLinkedIn
Craig Pekios

Craig Pekios
Covering the world of Mixed Martial Arts since 2012. Providing the latest news, picks, scores, results, and commentary on the world of MMA.

Related

Leave a Comment