In a thrilling showdown, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury faced off against MMA fighter Francis Ngannou, who made his boxing debut. The fight not only captivated the sports world but marked the grand opening of Riyadh Season, a significant entertainment festival.
The bout between reigning WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and MMA fighter Francis Ngannou, who was making his boxing debut, was definitely and entertaining spectacle. Ngannou, proved to be a formidable opponent, taking Fury to the 10-round distance and nearly securing an upset victory.
While Fury was declared the winner with scores of 96-93, 95-94, and 94-95 by the judges, Ngannou’s strong performance impressed both fighters and fans. Although Fury’s championship belt wasn’t on the line, the fight was considered an official bout. Despite being a heavy favorite, Fury acknowledged Ngannou’s skills and resilience, making it one of his toughest fights in a decade. Ngannou displayed his power by knocking Fury down in the third round, marking the seventh time Fury had been knocked down in his career. The fight ended with Fury winning on points, but Ngannou’s performance left a lasting impression.
Notable figures from the entertainment and sports world, such as Kanye West, Eminem, Cristiano Ronaldo, Conor McGregor, and legendary boxers, attended the event. Fury’s decision to take on this fight was driven by his diverse career ventures and the reported $50 million payout for the entertainment festival Riyadh Season.
Ngannou’s transition from the UFC to boxing, with assistance from Mike Tyson, was a significant step, considering he had not competed since January 2022. Despite the loss, Ngannou is set to continue his career with the Professional Fighters League. Meanwhile, Fury is poised to unify the heavyweight division by facing Oleksandr Usyk in December. The co-feature of the event saw undefeated British heavyweights Fabio Wardley and David Adeleye, with Wardley emerging victorious in the seventh round, solidifying his position as the British, Commonwealth Boxing, and WBO European heavyweight champion. Adeleye’s reaction to the defeat could result in disciplinary actions. The bout was scheduled for 12 rounds.
