Tyson Fury BEATS Francis Ngannou LIVE reaction: MMA star shines and knocks down Gypsy King but WBC champion takes controversial win
Tyson Fury claimed a controversial win over Francis Ngannou in their blockbuster crossover clash in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
MMA superstar Ngannou knocked down WBC champion Fury in the third round and was in control for much of the bout.
But the judges scorecards gave Fury the win via split decision by just one point.
Fury was poor throughout but came face-to-face with Oleksandr Usyk after the bout and confirmed they will meet in an undisputed heavyweight title bout next.
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Tyson Fury BEATS Francis Ngannou
Wow, well what a fight and what a spectacle that was.
Francis Ngannou was the star of the show tonight and so unlucky to not claim a massive victory for the world of MMA.
But Tyson Fury rolls on unbeaten and he will now turn his full attention to that undisputed title showdown with Oleksandr Usyk.
The Gypsy King will know he’ll need to be so much better against Usyk and that fight will be a classic.
Thanks for joining us tonight and see you all again next time!
Tyson Fury BEATS Francis Ngannou
More from Francis Ngannou: "I'm feeling great. I'm very happy.
“It didn't go my way. I want to thank Riyadh Season for giving me the opportunity to prove people wrong once again. I might be wounded, but I can bite.
“I’m ready to fight any time soon. We can run it back again and I'm sure I'll get better.
“This is my first boxing match, I'm not using it as an excuse. At first, I was nervous, this new sport. Now I know I can do it.
“I came out from a long recovery, long surgery. My training camp was over three months. I worked hard, I gave my best.
“I will go back with my team and look what I can do next to improve my game. I know the temperature of the water now and I'm ready to take over."
Tyson Fury BEATS Francis Ngannou
Tyson Fury BEATS Francis Ngannou
So, we don’t quite have a date for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk just yet.
But both men have confirmed the undisputed heavyweight title clash will take place next,
After meeting in the ring, Fury said: “Let's go.”
Usyk replied: "Let's go. I’m going to be fighting him amazing.”
Fury then added: "Let’s go now if you want. It’ll be our next fight guaranteed."
Tyson Fury BEATS Francis Ngannou
More from Tyson Fury: "I got caught round the back of the head. I wasn't hurt. I got up and got back to my boxing.
"I don't know how close it was, but I got the win and that's how it was.
“You can see it here, ring rust. Fair play to Francis, he cut my head here. It was a good fight.
"I'm going to go home, I've been in training camp for 12 weeks. I'll take a long hard rest and see what's next for us."
Tyson Fury BEATS Francis Ngannou
Tyson Fury BEATS Francis Ngannou
Fury and Oleksandr Usyk meet in the middle of the ring and confirm they will clash for all four heavyweight titles next!
They two fighters confirmed they will meet on December 23.
Surely Usyk will now be full of confidence he can claim the WBC belt off the Gypsy King.
What a fight that will be!
Tyson Fury BEATS Francis Ngannou
Fury: "That definitely wasn’t in the script.
"He’s given me probably one of my toughest fights in the last 10 years.
"Francis is a hell of fighter, strong, big puncher, and a lot better boxer than we all thought he would be.
"He’s a very awkward man and he’s a good puncher and I respect him a lot."
Credit: Getty
Tyson Fury BEATS Francis Ngannou
A brilliant display from Ngannou!
Tyson Fury BEATS Francis Ngannou
Fury has called that bout 'one of the toughest fights' he has ever had. You can say that again!
Full reaction to come.
Tyson Fury BEATS Francis Ngannou
Oh my word, Fury takes on it via split decision!
One judge gives it to Ngannou 95-94, one had it 96-93 (somehow?!) to Fury with the deciding judge calling it 95-94 to Fury.
That is incredible and Fury has been very, very lucky there.
Here's the result
We go to the scorecards!
Fury vs Ngannou
The ring is full to bursting and the Ngannou corner is going nuts here.
Fury doesn't look a beaten man but how will the judges score it?
Credit: Getty Fury vs Ngannou – Round 10
And as we head into the final round, Fury surely needs a KO!
'Francis, Francis, Francis' is the chant ringing around this arena as Ngannou bosses the start of the tenth round.
Fury just can't get forward.
Ngannou jumps at Fury and tries to land a huge right but Fury can just defend it.
Ngannou lands right at the end of the fight and the final bell rings out.
Who has won this one? Surely it's Ngannou and one of sport's biggest ever upsets.
Fury vs Ngannou – Round 9
Ngannou catches Fury with a clever left hand to start the ninth. Surely Fury has to go for it now.
Ngannou aims a right before smothering his body over Fury.
Fury just isn't doing enough. He can't work this one out. This has been a quiet round.
Not many punched thrown in the ninth at all.
This crowd is stunned.
Fury vs Ngannou – Round 8
Fury needs more tempo and need to tire out Ngannou more. There's been very little pressure put on.
Fury backs up into the corner and Ngannou catches him once again with a heavy blow!
This is one of the most amazing performances from Francis Ngannou.
The two exchange again with the better hits coming from Ngannou.
Fury looks hurt, he looks shattered, he has to dig deep here, he is gassed!
More Ngannou punches hit home, Fury is offering very little and is misses wildly.
Fury vs Ngannou – Round 7
Into the seventh we go and Fury needs a big round right here! Only ten rounds here tonight, remember.
Not a lot is thrown in anger in the first half of the round before Fury lands a nice right down the pipe.
Fury then comes in again but loses his balance, falling to his knees and having to hold onto Ngannou's waist. Fury's head must be scrambled!
Ngannou looks to land more hits to end the round and it looks like he's taken another round.
The MMA star is starting to look tired and Fury must pounce.
Fury vs Ngannou – Round 6
Past the halfway stage we go and Ngannou is definitely still winning this at the moment.
Fury looks to get back on the front foot but just misses the mark.
The two huge men get caught up on the ring with Fury just catching Ngannou around the neck.
Fury then lands a clean right which bounces off Ngannou's head but the MMA star keeps coming.
Fury looks to get his straight one-two going and Ngannou's power and pace looks to have just dipped slightly.
Fury vs Ngannou – Round 5
Ngannou has surely won every round so far, this is amazing! Fury needs to settle down and start boxing properly.
Ngannou starts the well again the fifth, landing a nice punch that draws cheers from the crowd.
Fury is stepping into exchanges, surely he needs to keep his rival at range and work his jab better.
Much better from Fury as he finds a quick combo to snap Ngannou's head back.
Fury ends the round well and maybe he is finally starting to work this out.
Fury vs Ngannou – Round 4
How will Fury respond now?!
Ngannou lands another nice right and he now knows he has the power to hurt Fury.
This is incredible, Fury looks lost right now.
Ngannou has Fury rattled again and the WBC champion needs the ropes to stay on his feet. Unbelievable stuff.
Fury finally finds a better shot and follows it up with a big overhand.
Fury vs Ngannou – Round 3
Into the third we go and Fury has damage to his forehead.
Ngannou lands good here and he is growing into this one as Fury walks onto a left hook.
Fury looks to throw out some jabs and hold his man but Ngannou isn't taking the bait so far.
Fury looks to turn up the pace but walks into a huge hit from Ngannou and FURY GOES DOWN!
Incredible from Ngannou, what is happening here!
Fury beats the count and is back up but keeps well away from his rival to see out the round.
Amazing!
Fury vs Ngannou – Round 2
Ngannou looks measured and thoughtful but is that the right tactic?
The two trade soft punches to start the second before Ngannou lands a sharp right which catches Fury above the eye.
It appears Fury has a slight cut already and he seems to be distracted by it.
Both men land heavy shots before coming together in a clinch.
Fury has switched to southpaw to try and disrupt this highly impressive start from Ngannou.
Fury vs Ngannou - Round 1
Fury lets Ngannou know how short he is before they touch gloves and get going!
Fury takes centre-stage right away and lands a big shot within the first few seconds.
Fury lands another right early but Ngannou looks to fire back with a big overhand right.
Ngannou is aiming with jabs and looking to load up that huge right but Fury can dip and weave.
Fury then comes to life and lands with two nice hits.
But Ngannou comes back again, it's been an impressive start from him!
Seconds out!
John Fury gives his son a last-minute pep talk before Michael Buffer introduces the fighters.
We are scheduled for 10 rounds of heavyweight action!