Tyson Fury managed to defeat former UFC champion Francis Ngannou on the latter’s boxing debut in October 2023 at Riyadh. However, it wasn’t a very dominant performance for Fury. On the contrary, Ngannou looked better under several parameters.
The 12-round fight saw both men have their moments in the ring while Franci Ngannou dropped ‘The Gypsy King’ in round three, which was also the only knockdown of that bout.
While Tyson Fury is regarded as the greatest heavyweight bixer of this era, his performance against a debutant Ngannou didn’t reflect the same. Moreover, when he will compete against Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed tag next.
However, Tyson Fury seems to recognize his flaws. Top Rank chief Todd DuBoef spoke with Sports Illustrated and revealed how the WBC champion has addressed his performance against Francis Ngannou.DuBoef said, “I think Tyson is regretful. He blamed himself. He thought he had an off night, he said ‘I took it lightly. It was all on me.’ Didn’t point fingers, which was good.”
Tyson Fury’s WBC world title wasn’t at stake but Ngannou clearly exposed the champion’s loopholes. Several boxing pundits ridiculed Fury’s showdown and credited ‘The Predator’. Now Francis Ngannou’s door towards more lucrative boxing fights is open and he can soon land up against Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder and many others.
Meanwhile Tyson Fury will chase greatness as he will lock horns against Usyk to earn all four belts. ‘The Gypsy King’, however, has welcomed the idea of rematching Francis Ngannou in the future.
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk- All About The Fight
34-0 as a pro, Tyson Fury will out his WBC belt at stake against WBA, IBF, and WBO champion Usyk who hold a pro-record of 21-0. Hence, either an shall lose their unbeaten professional record on February 17 in Riyadh. Oleksandr Usyk has previously been an undisputed champion at cruiserweight.
Meanwhile, Tyson Fury needs to become the undisputed tag to cement himself as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all tine (arguably). The last heavyweight champion to hold all four titles simultaneously was Lennox Lewis. It remains to be seen who becomes his successor.
