Francis Ngannou cannot understand his narrow point defeat against heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury in the boxing spectacle in Saudi Arabia staged as the “Battle of the Baddest” – and demands consequences.
Ngannou, who entered the ring as a 1:20 underdog, achieved the unimaginable in his debut as a professional boxer. With a left hook, the Cameroonian sent the “Gypsy King” onto the boards in the third round, bringing Fury to the brink of his first defeat. After ten rounds, Ngannou narrowly lost on the scorecards with 1:2 judges’ votes (95:94, 93:96, 94:95).
If the third judge had given Ngannou just one more round – one of the greatest sensations (and embarrassments) in boxing history would have been perfect. Many fans online, but also some boxing experts, criticized the verdict in favor of Fury. And Ngannou, who was still very composed after the verdict was announced, was somewhat disgruntled.
“I think it’s a disgrace for boxing,” raged the 37-year-old: “These judges or whoever should be punished. I want to understand why these judges judge like that. To be honest: I don’t give up much “This decision, but such decisions ruin the careers of many people,” said Ngannou, referring to the many dubious and scandalous judgments in prize boxing.
Boxing: Interested parties for Ngannou are lining up
This does not apply to Ngannou. His market value has skyrocketed due to the strong boxing debut. The world association WBC announced that it would include the former king of cage fighters in its world rankings in the top 10, which would make Ngannou qualified as a challenger for the title. And the masterminds of boxing stars Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder also let it be known that they would contact the Cameroonian colossus.
The ex-UFC champion is probably guaranteed more big fights and paydays.
Even Fury promoter Frank Warren is flirting with Ngannou. “He came out here as a huge star, a hero,” said the Briton on “Boxing News”. Ngannou has put himself in a position for further big fights. “I’ll have a meeting with him and his people. The revenge (against Fury) could be just as big as the fight against Usyk.”