Tyson Fury defeats MMA fighter Francis Ngannou in Saudi showdown

Tyson Fury, the reigning world heavyweight champion, secured a split decision victory over mixed martial arts fighter Francis Ngannou in their boxing match, which went the full distance.

In round three, Ngannou managed to knock Fury to the canvas, briefly stunning the 35-year-old British fighter. Despite being shaken, Fury showed resilience and continued the fight.

The undefeated Fury, who had earlier playfully referred to his opponent as a “big fat sausage,” later acknowledged that the 37-year-old Cameroonian had effectively disrupted his rhythm.

“He’s a very awkward man, and he’s a good puncher and I respect him a lot,” Fury said of Ngannou, adding that it was “probably my toughest fight in 10 years”.

Fury was the clear favourite going into the match, despite Ngannou’s limited boxing experience.

Fury was the clear favourite going into the match, despite Ngannou’s limited boxing experience.

“This was my first boxing match, great experience –- I’m not giving any excuse,” Ngannou said in a ringside interview.

“I know I come up short, I’m going to come back and work harder… now I know I can do this.”

Fury made an aggressive entrance in the first round, delivering a powerful right-hand punch. However, in the second round, he suffered a cut to his forehead and appeared sluggish after hitting the canvas in the third.

As both fighters grew fatigued, the final rounds became sluggish, with neither landing a definitive blow.

“I don’t know how close it was, but I got the win and that’s how it was,” Fury said.

“Fair play to Francis, he cut my head here. It was a good fight.”

Fury’s WBC heavyweight belt was not at stake in this exhibition match known as the “Battle of the Baddest” in Riyadh. Nevertheless, Saudi officials hoped the event would enhance the Gulf kingdom’s reputation as a top-tier boxing destination.

In an effort to add an air of legitimacy to the match, the WBC created a “Riyadh Champion” belt for the victor to display in the ring, adding to the significance of the event beyond the substantial financial rewards.

Reports suggest that Fury stands to earn around £50 million ($60.6 million) from the exhibition bout, while Ngannou is expected to receive £10 million, as reported in the British press.