Tyson Fury, his massive paymasters, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the world’s best-laid heavyweight boxing plans were shaken to the core before the Gypsy King could escape the sensational loss of his undefeated record in the smallest way possible.
A single point on the third card of a split decision saved hundreds of millions of dollars while waiting for Fury to feud with Oleksandr Usyk.
The honor of becoming the first undisputed world heavyweight champion in more than a decade.
The Ukrainian holder of the other title belts not in the Gypsy King’s fief was sitting ringside and how he must have wished that this had been his night in the ring with a Fury as slow and disjointed as this one.
And to think that this source of screaming alarm was a UFC fighter crossing over for his first official boxing match,
Francis Ngannou sent Tyson Fury to the canvas in round three with a thunderous left hook
Fury got back to his feet to force his way into the fight and won narrowly on points
Fury did just enough to retain his heavyweight title, but Ngannou pushed him closer than many expected
Francis Ngannou gave such a wonderful account of himself that no one would have begrudged him the triumph of a lifetime. Except for the financiers who have plenty to lose.
Has there ever been such a remarkable boxing debut?
In the end he missed one score of 95-94, but two with 94-95 and 96-93 in Fury’s favour. Technically, I agree with the King keeping his crown, but it was closer than any of us could have really imagined.
A practice match? This was a war.
Fury lives to make another coin and fight another day. Whether that day against Usyk will be December 23 remains to be seen based on how quickly he bounces back from a third-round defeat – he got up after a knockout as usual – and a good beating by a supposedly cleverly chosen opponent.
Whatever Iron Mike Tyson Ngannou learned in recent weeks, it nearly paid off in huge dividends.
Ngannou grew in confidence throughout the fight and even attempted a ‘Superman’ punch in the final round
Dawn had trekked across the desert to confirm that the big fight had been sanctioned as an official boxing match by the British Boxing Board of Control.
The organizers had been pushing for this recognition for weeks. With Fury’s encouragement, even if it put him at risk of losing his cherished status as undefeated. So this fight suddenly ended up on his official record, pending only the outcome.
That will take some time on this long night.
It all started in the so-called Undercard Arena, an understatement that was in stark contrast to the joint advertising for the main event.
This took place in the mild outdoors, in front of the domed stage and monster screens that had been the backdrop for the star-studded events of fight week. Many a world title fight has been contested in a far less salubrious environment.
But this wasn’t good enough for the Battle of the Baddest. So in Saudi Arabia you get two arenas for the price of one.
A few steps away, the Boulevard Yard Hall awaited Fury and Ngannou. A 20,000 seat venue built on virgin soil in just 90 days, in astonishing contrast to the three years it would have taken to build in London or Las Vegas. And just in time.
They were still putting the finishing touches on Riyadh’s newest sporting mecca when the first support battle began outside. Unlike many other Olympic venues, this complex will not rot after the first big night. The Undercard Arena will be busy again before Fury fights Usyk on December 23. There will be more of the same.
The main hall is designed not only to host mega fights and big bands, but also to be transformed into an indoor football stadium for the Saudi League team in which Neymar now plays. First game next week.
On opening night it was a cathedral fit for a king. The Gypsy King.
The Undercard Arena had been a hive of excitement and as the final bell sounded, the capacity crowd of some 3,000 rushed forward to join the greatest collection of all-time greats, mainly from boxing, but also from the showbiz and other sports that once came together at once. place.
Riyadh hosted a spectacular opening ceremony ahead of the main event
That arena was already full of anticipation for the electrifying song, dance, fire and light show that opened the Riyadh season, a festival of concerts, art, culture and multiple sports that runs throughout the capital well into the new year .
Here was the emerging Saudi Arabia revealing its new self to the world.
The show was a stunning spectacle of thundering sound and pounding dancers, reaching a crescendo as the ring rose through the floor to greet the gladiators.
But if there is one sportsman on earth with the raging charisma to make himself the star of a night like this, it is Tyson Fury. At just over one o’clock in the morning it was his turn to take the stage. Rising from a golden throne, shedding the robes and crown of a monarch, and jogging to confront Ngannou.
JEFF POWELL’s Scorecard
1 – Fury was stripped down and raring to go while Michael Buffer was still getting us ready to Rumble. Then he said to Ngannou: “I’m going to beat you up.” The first punch, a right, came from Ngannou, but after some parrying, Fury laid down his left jab and took the round with a big right. Rage 10-9 Ngannou
2 – Ngannou showed better ringcraft than expected and Fury switched to southpaw to try to cause confusion. It worked to some extent, but not enough to save the round. Anger 9-10 Ngannou
3 – No exhibition this. A serious fight. Tyson was forced back by a heavy left. Then a monster of the same species and here was the first sensation. Provided by the UFC. Tyson went down and although he rose from adversity as usual, the shock was as palpable in the crowd as in the ring. Anger 8-10 Ngannou
4 – Fury was caught again by the heavy-handed Ngannou and had to grab hold at times to keep him at bay. Although a late burst of action saw him reach the fourth. Rage 10-9 Ngannou
5 – Fortunes and a career were in jeopardy and Fury responded in the fifth with two huge rights that rocked Ngannou. Rage 10-9 Ngannou
6 – Fury went into hit and dance mode, but this was now about winning, whatever it looked like. Rage 10-9 Ngannou
7 – There were cheers for Mike Tyson as his face appeared on the screen and whatever the iron man had taught Ngannou had turned this from a show to a war. Rage 10-9 Ngannou
8 – Ngannou was at it again with two huge left hooks that staggered Fury and then a flurry of punches that nearly had the Gypsy King back on the ground. Anger 9-10 Ngannou
9 – Was there a disaster? Fury kept the left jab working to keep the points up… and avoid any problems. Rage 10-9 Ngannou
10 – To the last and Fury punched through with his left hand. Presumably believing he had done just enough. Rage 10-9 Ngannou
Final scorecard: Fury 96-93 Ngannou