Boxing: Split Decision Gives Fury Victory Over Ngannou

World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Tyson Fury claimed a split decision victory over former UFC fighter Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.

Ngannou, who was making his professional boxing debut, landed a left hook which dropped Fury on the canvas in round three.

But Fury, whose WBC heavyweight belt was not on the line, rallied back to overcome the 37-year-old Cameroonian.

One judge scored it 95-94 in favour of Ngannou, two gave it to Fury at 96-93 and 95-94.

Fury won the commemorative ‘Riyadh champion’ belt and extended his unbeaten record to 35 – winning 34 and drawing one.

His victory means a blockbuster bout with fellow heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBO and IBF titles, which has been signed, remains on the horizon.