The difference in their body language at the final bell told its own story. The crowd rose, Cameroonian flags up high and the stunned reactions half-an-hour earlier were a thing of the past. Francis Ngannou had done the unthinkable, producing the most historic upset boxing had ever seen. Well, up until the judges’ scorecards were read out and WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury given a reprieve despite a third-round knockdown and anticlimactic finish.
Not bad for a debutant boxer, ey?
- Fury’s post-fight interview: “It definitely wasn’t in the script, Francis is a hell of a fighter – better boxer than we thought he would be – I respect him a lot, very awkward and wasn’t coming forward… was waiting for me and countering. Gave me one of my toughest fights in the last ten years!”
- On what happens next, promoter Frank Warren stresses the WBC heavyweight champion will rest and they’ll see what is next in due course as Oleksandr Usyk undisputed date for Dec. 23 now in tatters
- Ngannou reflective after a moral victory, given most believed he won: “Thanks to Saudi Arabia for letting me prove people wrong once again. I might be wounded, just a fighter but I’ll be back again and this was my first boxing match. No excuses, I came up short but I’ll go back and work harder. Now I know I can do this shit, I’m here, I’m ready!”
- As PFL debut lingers, Ngannou’s thirst for boxing has only heightened after overcoming the odds: “I came from a long recovery, three-and-a-half-month training camp.. gave my best and I know I can do even more.”
95-94 Ngannou, 96-93 Fury, 95-94 Fury
Tyson Fury bt. Francis Ngannou via split decision, stays unbeaten
Tyson Fury hadn’t boxed since December in an uncompetitive trilogy bout with Derek Chisora. Francis Ngannou hadn’t fought in twice as long – 645 days – needing knee surgery as he went into a UFC title defence with Ciryl Gane injured, yet managed to outgrapple and outpoint his former sparring partner over 25 minutes.
If anything typifies who Ngannou is as a person, it’s that gritty decision win in California given the noisy distractions over his future lingering in the background.
That’s the measure of a man who doesn’t take kindly to being told what he can and can’t do – some call it defiance or an overinflated ego, but instead it’s a sense of self-assurance built over several years that can’t be broken. Why would that change now?
It’s why he and his team repeatedly denied this boxing debut against the sport’s consensus top boxer was a foregone conclusion and well, we saw it unfold.
After feigning a fast start and charging into centre ring, it was – predictably – Fury who landed the better punches through three minutes. He wobbled Ngannou with an overhand right in the dying embers of round one, a stanza which Ngannou looked to throw one of his own and briefly pushed the WBC champion up against the ropes.
Some slick counterpunching could’ve easily thrown Ngannou off his game but instead, he came out in the second looking to be more active. He caught him with a left, as well as an uppercut and right hand in the clinch as both shifted into a southpaw stance, looking to take advantage of space to land first.
Into round three, Ngannou again tagged Fury clean as you could hear the crowd stirring with surprise. This wasn’t supposed to be happening, after all.
Ngannou largely the quicker of the two when they exited exchanges, that deceptive speed and timing helped him score a piercing knockdown deep in the round as he caught Fury with a counter left hook on the side of his head after Tyson threw a right.
Initial shock of said sequence evaporated and Ngannou stung him with a right early in the fourth before Fury’s punch-then-rush tactic into the clinch showed itself again.
Trying to officiate two massive heavyweights dirty boxing isn’t an easy task but the 26-year pro referee Michael Griffin tried staying on top of it, as Ngannou threw a right narrowly whizzing past Fury and the Brit returned fire with a clever shot of his own.
Ngannou expended energy as he flashed powerful bursts fleetingly that hit air early in the fifth, a round which became a lull period with plenty of clinching before Fury connected on a pair of rights to catch the former UFC champion’s attention.
Ngannou targeted the body in the sixth, pressing forward upon occasion and ducking down whenever he waded forward wildly to try avoiding counters.
Fury jabbed at distance, the Cameroonian holding his own at middle-range as you could sense his cardio would be tested down the stretch. As fatigue set in, would he make more risky decisions and leave himself defensively vulnerable in spots?
Considering he was biting on Fury’s feints, probably. That didn’t stop him landing a big left early in the seventh, as you could see increasing damage to Fury’s left eye.
Given highly-rated MMA coach Eric Nicksick was in the Ngannou corner, it wasn’t a surprise the 37-year-old finished the round with more work – optics in his favour – with a series of rounds that would retrospectively prove difficult to score.
A big left hook early in the eighth was a precursor to another excellent Ngannou round as he unleashed rights-and-lefts which bounced off Fury’s head, after more clinching from the 6ft 9in giant wasn’t rewarded as it usually is against others.
Ngannou landed the better shots early in a slower ninth and as the crowd rejoiced seeing unified world champion Oleksandr Usyk on the big screen, Fury had three minutes to seemingly save an undisputed fight already signed last month.
They threw a combined 36 punches in the final round per CompuBox, but neither was particularly dominant as Ngannou felt confident enough to throw and almost land a superman punch at mid-range, trying to press the action late on.
Assuming Fury edged that round, he still would’ve lost it 95-94.
How I scored it
R1, R5, R6, R9 and R10: Fury
R2, R3, R4, R7, R8: Ngannou — plus a 10-8 round in the third, gives him a 95-94 win
Undercard results
Wardley outboxes Adeleye, earns seventh-round finish
R7, 2:43 – Fabio Wardley bt. David Adeleye via TKO
Wardley now British, Commonwealth, WBA continental, WBO European heavyweight champion after battle of unbeaten talents
- Wardley declares it “probably” the best he’s felt in the ring: “He was trying to goad me to come forward, I’ve got boxing IQ… I know how to draw someone in and that’s exactly what I did. The difference in experience… I knew what to do as the rounds went on, I felt good and was on form.”
- 8-0 heavyweight and Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke spoke to him briefly during British champion’s ringwalk, and was naturally an invested spectator ringside – stood on the ring apron post-fight, an intriguing bout
- Clarke reaffirms desire for next British title shot in the new year after watching that, he tells me: “A good Fabio performance, I’m a bit disappointed by Adeleye after some big talk in the build-up but he’s just not good enough – nothing to do with the occasion – I want next, simple as.”
- Adeleye admits his game management was wrong but insists he’s humble in victory and defeat: “He got me with a jab and his thumb went in my eye so I couldn’t see him or gauge where he was! I haven’t lost for God knows how many years, no excuses… it’s the first time I’ve been down in my career – amateur or pro – so credit to him, I’ll be back. Hopefully we can run it back, fight another British level contender and I want him again.”
- Wardley on Clarke matchup: “I’ve got one more fight at British level, so if it’s Frazer then so be it, let’s get it on.”
“I told you he was soft,” was the rallying cry from Fabio Wardley as he celebrated a career-best stoppage win over an overawed David Adeleye in what was a pair of unbeaten heavyweight prospects squaring off for multiple belts and plenty at stake.
Just like Joyce-Dubois three years ago, both have openly spoken about having bigger aspirations than domestic level but with Frazer Clarke ringside, it was a timely reminder neither had quite shaken off that hunted tag at British level.
As an underestimated champion given his white-collar background, Wardley welcomed all contenders and after the Clarke situation unfolded as it did, WBO European champion Adeleye was more than happy to play disruptor.
The 26-year-old began as he meant to go on here, fast and with purpose. Contrastingly, there were lots of feinting and thinking from the champion but not enough punch output early as Adeleye missed wildly with a hook and smiled.
He wasn’t to know it at the time but that sequence foreshadowed a humbling end for him, six rounds later. However, it was an encouraging start by Big D amidst the tense atmosphere in the night’s featured prelim, one you felt could erupt at any minute.
Adeleye again was off-target twice with lefts to start the second, before landing a nice screw left-hand jab as Wardley already began to wear the damage across his face.
An overhand right was the best of the Ipswich man’s work in another competitive stanza, before later seizing the initiative after showing superior ringcraft and pinning Adeleye up against the ropes – where the fan favourite looked increasingly uneasy.
The referee admonished Adeleye for leaning lazily with his arm in the clinch after being told to break, and it was the first sign of frustration. Crucially, not the last.
He couldn’t afford to be though, as both connected with big shots and the crowd reacted after Wardley narrowly missed a haymaker after Adeleye pinged him.
Perhaps a lapse of concentration from the defending champion, it wouldn’t last particularly long if so. Adeleye connected with a few deft counters, landed an uppercut in the clinch that appeared to briefly stagger Wardley as well as two head-snapping jabs, but that period of success proved a false dawn for what followed.
Wardley began the fourth better and his confidence grew as Adeleye’s overeager tendencies were becoming more telegraphed by the minute.
Stabbing jabs to the chest and lower body, the 28-year-old probed and pressed forward as the tide continued turning in his favour. An overhand right and two lefts landed flush for Fabio as he could sense weakness emanating across from him.
Adeleye’s attacks were meant with powerful intent, but he wasn’t being defensively responsible when he threw and some suspect head movement would be punished.
The referee John Latham let Adeleye get away with some not-so-subtle elbows and forearms, stinging Wardley in the pocket early to start round six.
Yet the away fighter rode the proverbial storm and replied by producing the better work, while it seemed as though Adeleye’s gas tank was running on empty too: his mouth open, getting caught with sloppy shots and on the back foot. So, it shouldn’t be surprising to know Adeleye was on the receiving end of a devastating finish.
Pure instinct kept him in it, as he stuck his tongue out demonstratively in response to being knocked down against the ropes – before a firefight threatened to ensue, and the referee wisely waved it off before any further damage could be done.
Parker reminds everyone of his class
Former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker absorbed early damage but handled it well before scoring a highlight reel uppercut knockout win (R3, 2:04) over an unsuspecting Simon Kean – who beckoned him into landing the stunning shot.
His coach Andy Lee described it as perhaps the best of his charge’s 11-year pro career and it was needed, after underwhelming on his last appearance aired worldwide against career cruiserweight Jack Massey on the Eubank-Smith bill in January.
He returned with a morale-boosting first-round TKO win over Faiga Opelu in Melbourne four months later and post-fight made sure to stress an eagerness for a Saudi Arabia return in two months’ time, having enjoyed an unforgettable fight week packed with festivities as part of close friend Tyson Fury’s camp.
“He was very tough but we pushed towards the end. You can never forget the jab, it sets everything up. I’ve loved it here so hopefully get another win and then we’ll see [his long-term future].”
At 250lbs, Parker was five pounds lighter than his career-heaviest weight – a gutsy, unsuccessful attempt to topple Joe Joyce last September – which doesn’t always translate to success, before facing 24-fight veteran Kean, only lost once and beating Eric Molina last time out. Ultimately, the difference in expertise showed.
Makhmudov maintains his fear factor
Russian-born Canadian resident Arslanbek Makhmudov (17-0, 16 KOs) blitzed past Raphael Akpejiori on the Jared Anderson undercard three months ago and despite his increasing age at 34, has been highly tipped to crack into prominence very soon.
Former world cruiserweight title challenger Junior Anthony Wright (20-4-1, 17 KOs) weighed 30.5lbs lighter than the decorated amateur and hoped for better fortunes after two losses in his last six. A mismatch on paper, it wasn’t much different here.
Ultimately, it was another quick night at the office for concussive puncher Makhmudov, who dropped Wright with a fearsome combo and although the American rose to his feet shortly afterwards, only absorbed more damage doing so:
Itauma ices Bernath in less than two minutes
- After fourth R1 KO, Itauma was noticeably more expressive in his post-fight interview: “A lot of people said I’m not a real prospect, well shoot me to the stars, that’s where I belong. As long as I’m not injured, I’d be happy to fight again today! It’s only going to get better, get your popcorn.”
- Promoter Frank Warren meanwhile, admits it’s difficult to matchmake for the multiple-time amateur youth champion given his punching power and exciting talent: “It’s hard because he’s very ambitious, wants to win a world title in record time but it’s all about that – timing – he’s doing a fabulous job, got fast hands, good boxing brain and a ferocious puncher.”
- Itauma’s manager Francis Warren confirms plan is for 18-year-old to box on Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Liam Williams undercard come December 2, opponent TBC as prodigious teenager’s activity road map still on course
After a 93-second blowout of Amine Boucetta last month, rising teenage heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma wanted to stay active and did exactly that.
Hungary’s Istvan Bernath was the assignment, a man who hasn’t featured since losing his unblemished record via R4 KO against Terrell Jamal Woods last December.
That statistic alone didn’t bode well as far as his prospects of going the distance were concerned and within two minutes, this contest was sharply over.
Itauma targeted the body early, liked the reactions he got in response and before long dropped the 34-year-old with a jab. A beautiful screw jab, uppercut and few more follow-up shots rained down and just like that, it was all over.
Despite gym injury, Bakole blasts past Takam
Martin Bakole confirmed he came in at a career-heaviest 299.4lbs after sustaining a bad training camp injury, but that didn’t stop him from scoring a fourth-round TKO finish (R4, 2:15) despite former world title challenger Carlos Takam’s best efforts.
“I have a big heart and won’t give up. You can run but can’t hide – UK and America – I’m ready for everyone,” he proclaimed post-fight after a slow start.
Bakole pawed out the left hand to start, but admittedly there was not much in the way of punch output by both in the first-round.
The audible crowd support for Bakole – let’s go Martin – was eyecatching though, and he gave those fans something to shout about in round two with a few whipping rights late in a round that threatened to get interesting in the final seconds.
The pair both had success in the pocket to start the third, Bakole digging to the body before Takam was headhunting with the younger man pinned against the ropes.
It didn’t last though, the roles reversed and Bakole threatened a knockdown late as his punches were now repeatedly bouncing off the 41-year-old’s head.
Limited head movement and increasingly unsteady legs saw Takam circle around the ring in the fourth, while Bakole could sense blood and began digging to the body.
Eventually the finish came, though some fans were displeased at the timing of the stoppage. Takam’s body language was negative and he wasn’t defending himself adequately before referee Lee Every stepped in – he could have no complaints.
Six months after stopping the previously-unbeaten Ihor Shevadzutskyi in Poland, Bakole had his physio Hannah to thank that he was even boxing here.
Coach Billy Nelson reminded him of that fact post-fight, and it was a little insight behind the curtain for a fighter whose career trajectory has stagnated of late.
With BOXXER chief Ben Shalom in attendance this week supporting his fighter and bigger bouts in the offing, he couldn’t afford to lose against a stubborn banana skin in the experienced Frenchman. It wasn’t plain sailing, but he’ll take heart from winning while physically compromised and target bigger challenges come 2024.
“I had a bad injury in camp – Fury will tell you that – I only spent two weeks in the gym. I can’t tell you my plan [for what’s next], my manager and promoter know who is next and when.”
McGann magic to start
Having targeted the body early in a competitive first-round, Liverpool’s unbeaten light-middleweight Jack McGann improved to 9-0-1 and logged his sixth career knockout win against Alcibiade Duran with a second-round stoppage (R2, 0:37).
Duran missed with an uppercut and McGann made him pay, landing a sharp counter left hook to floor the 35-year-old before he even knew what punch he was hit with.
He staggered to his feet and beat the count, but the referee rightly waved off the contest. Was it the best punch he’s ever thrown? Probably.
“I realised he was loading up and I was just focusing on staying loose, fast and those are the shots you get when you go for it,” he told TNT Sports’ Steve Bunce in his post-fight interview ringside.
Having won the IBO European title back in early March, it’ll be interesting to see where the 30-year-old goes after an emphatic finish to kick off the biggest card he’s ever been involved in. Boxing on small-hall shows could soon be a thing of the past.
Stay tuned to moandsports.com, as I’ll have further post-fight analysis to follow – interviews, features and more – as there were so many topics and storylines that need covering on this card in the aftermath.
Picture source: Top Rank
Mo and Sports 