Boxing Shames Tyson Fury For Barely Beating Francis Ngannou
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury (34-0-1, 24 KO) barely escaped with a split-decision victory over MMA star Francis Ngannou (0-1) on October 28. He certainly pocketed a pretty penny for the spectacle. However, his performance may extract a toll on his reputation and future.
NO ONE SAW THIS COMING
It was a surprise to many that Ngannou gave such a good account for himself as he knocked down and roughed up Fury. At the final bell, Fury had a nick on his forehead and swelling around his left eye.
Several boxing observers felt that Fury lost the fight. Past and present world champions went to social media to express their thoughts on the fight as well as Fury’s performance.
What’s next up for the WBC champion is a showdown against unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. December 23 is the target for the fight to occur in Saudi Arabia.
During the post-fight interviews, Usyk was adamant that the fight would happen on that date. But Fury and his co-promoter, Frank Warren, were not as committal and suggested they wanted to push the fight back to a later date.
CAUSE FOR CONCERN?
Whether the match with Usyk occurs in December or early 2024, some will argue that much of the luster is off the upcoming fight for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world.
The Gypsy King is receiving heavy criticism for his performance against Ngannou. There is no way that a MMA fighter should have given him so much difficulty. An experienced world champion should have been more impressive against an opponent making their pro boxing debut.
Fury’s reputation has taken a sizeable hit. If there ever was a case for a fighter who lost in victory, it’s Fury who embarrassed himself and nearly caused what would have been the ultimate shame to boxing.
