Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for all the latest news and reactions after Tyson Fury controversially beat Francis Ngannou by split decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
11:15
He has a point!
Andy Murray has waded into the debate.
10:56
Fury split decision win 'a joke'
Luke Campbell has hit out at Tyson Fury’s ‘joke’ victory over Francis Ngannou and insisted the judges’ scorecards are ‘destroying the sport’ after the controversy.
‘What a joke that is. Destroying the sport,’ Campbell wrote on his X account.
A follow-up post read: ‘I see a lot of excuses coming.’
Do you agree with him? Let us know!
10:32
Eubank Jr: Fury deserved to lose
Chris Eubank Jr believes Tyson Fury deserved to lose his ‘Battle of the Baddest’ clash against Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia last night.
Giving his take, Eubank Jr insisted the Gypsy King was lucky and that he didn’t spend enough time in the gym gearing up before his controversial victory.
He wrote on X: ‘Watching from ringside I thought Ngannou won the fight. It was close but he was the aggressor, landed heavier shots & scored a knockdown.
‘Fury deserved to lose after having so much trouble against a man who has never boxed before… too much time filming Netflix specials not enough time in the gym I’m guessing. Unlucky Francis.’
For more details, click the link below!
10:15
Lewis questions Fury's camp
Former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has questioned Tyson Fury’s preparation for his crossover bout against former UFC fighter Francis Ngannou.
Fury was awarded the win by split decision in Saudi Arabia yesterday but only after he had been knocked down in the third round by his impressive opponent.
The Gypsy King’s WBC heavyweight belt was not on the line in Riyadh, and he struggled to get to grips with Ngannou in a sluggish performance.
Lewis, a three-time heavyweight champion, criticised Fury’s approach to the fight.
Check out his full quotes below.
09:50
Stats reveal Fury was deserving winner
Punch stats Tyson Fury’s controversial victory against Francis Ngannou have shed new light on their blistering showdown in Saudi Arabia last night.
While Ngannou did enjoy arguably the most memorable moment of the fight, stats show that Fury landed more punches over the course of the ten rounds.
According to Compubox, Fury landed 71 of his 223 total punches, while Ngannou managed to score with 59 from 231 attempted.
Also, though Fury did enjoy the edge in total punches landed, Ngannou landed more power punches than the lineal heavyweight champion, with 37 to Fury’s 32.
Find out more below!
09:31
Ngannou set for top 10 ranking
Francis Ngannou’s head coach Dewey Cooper has claimed the president of the WBC said the former UFC champion will be ranked in the top ten heavyweights.
Speaking outside the ring after the fight, Cooper was asked if there was any chance Ngannou would fight the likes of Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua.
Cooper said: ‘Mauricio Sulaiman, the president of WBC, said he is going to rank him in the top ten because he is better than most of the heavyweights in the top ten.
‘He said that in the ring, so absolutely you’ll see him again.’
For more on this story, click below.
09:10
Too many yes men?
Billy Joe Saunders has suggested Tyson Fury has ‘too many yes men’ in his entourage after the Gypsy King scraped his victory over Francis Ngannou.
On Instagram, Saunders said: ‘Too many yes men in camp, not switched on from the [the] word go. But he [will] be switched on for the Ukrainian [Oleksandr Usyk].’
Do you agree with his comments? Let us know!
09:00
Hearn: 'Ngannou won by two rounds'
Eddie Hearn believes Francis Ngannou beat Tyson Fury ‘by two rounds’.
One judge scored the contest 95-94 in favour of Ngannou, while the other two controversially handed the fight to Fury 96-93 and 95-94.
‘I am absolutely lost for words. Francis Ngannou has never boxed before and fair play to him, I didn’t think he was overly impressive, but Tyson Fury looked like he’d never laced up a pair of gloves before,’ Hearn told Matchroom’s YouTube channel.
‘He got dropped in the third round, he never threw a punch and Ngannou never threw a punch after. I thought Ngannou won by two rounds. Boxing world has gone mad.’
You can read his full quotes below.
08:45
Usyk: 'Fury didn't take him seriously enough'
Oleksandr Usyk wasn’t quite sure what to make of Tyson Fury’s largely unconvincing display, having sat at ringside in Riyadh to watch the chaos unfold.
His head-scratching reaction after Fury crashed to the canvas was equally telling.
‘I had an impression that he was playing. I’m not thinking about [whether he was playing possum] but I will be training 100 per cent,’ Usyk told Fight Hub TV.
‘But listen, it’s boxing. Maybe it was the element of surprise. Maybe. I think it was [a] show.’
Check out Usyk's full quotes below.
08:37
Jeff Powell's report
Tyson Fury, his massive paymasters, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the best laid plans of world heavyweight boxing were shaken to the roots before the Gypsy King staged the narrowest of escapes from the sensational loss of his unbeaten record.
A single point on the third card of a split decision saved the hundreds of millions of dollars in waiting for Fury to dispute with Oleksandr Usyk and preserved a shot at the honour of becoming the first undisputed world heavyweight champion for more than a decade.
The Ukrainian, holder of the other title belts not in the fiefdom of the Gypsy King, was sitting at ringside and how he must have been wishing this had been his night in the ring with a Fury as sluggish and disjointed as this.
You can read Jeff's full report via the link below.
08:32
Fury survives!
Wow! That was an absolute war.
Welcome along to Mail Sport’s coverage of all the reaction and fallout from Tyson Fury’s controversial split decision victory over Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.
Fury was dropped by the mixed martial artist but clung on for an uneasy triumph.
Who saw THAT coming?
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Fury survives!
TOP STORIES
- Punch stats reveal Tyson Fury WAS the deserved winner in controversial victory over boxing newbie Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia with the Gypsy King landing 12 more punches than his rival
- Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou RECAP: All the reaction from pundits and celebrities as 'Gypsy King' secures controversial split decision victory over his ex-UFC star opponent
- Lennox Lewis questions whether Tyson Fury had a full camp ahead of Francis Ngannou fight as boxing world reacts to the Gypsy King's underwhelming victory in Saudi Arabia
- Eddie Hearn claims Francis Ngannou beat Tyson Fury 'by two rounds' and says heavyweight showdown with Oleksandr Usyk is DEAD after lacklustre display… as he boasts Anthony Joshua would easily knock out the Gypsy King
- Tyson Fury survives an almighty scare against boxing newcomer Francis Ngannou… as the Gypsy King battles back from third round knock down to secure a split decision victory on the judges scorecards
- LeBron James blasts Tyson Fury's split-decision win over Francis Ngannou after the 'Gypsy King' suffered a third-round knockdown in suspect victory: 'Exactly why I don't watch boxing!'
- Francis Ngannou KNOCKS DOWN Tyson Fury in the third round – after cutting him one round earlier – as former UFC champion stuns sports fans with his display against the champion
- Boxing fans claim Francis Ngannou was 'ROBBED' of win against Tyson Fury as judges rule Gypsy King as the winner by split decision, despite Ngannou knocking Fury down in third round
- Luke Campbell calls Tyson Fury's controversial split decision victory over Francis Ngannou 'a JOKE' and says the Gypsy King will have 'a lot of excuses' coming after hugely unconvincing display
- Kanye West wears Premier League kit to Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou super fight – but team does the shirt belong to? Fans are trying to figure out the owner of the black shirt with yellow trim
- Tyson Fury breaks silence on missing birth of seventh baby with wife Paris Fury: 'Daddy's gotta do what daddy's gotta do'
- Cristiano Ronaldo, Kanye West and Conor McGregor are among the famous faces in Saudi Arabia for Tyson Fury's Battle of the Baddest fight against Francis Ngannou
- Conor McGregor reveals he's held talks with Saudi Arabia over a BOXING match against Manny Pacquiao… as he confirms he WILL make a near three-year UFC return in April 2024
- Sadio Mane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Allan Saint-Maximin are among the footballers at Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou – with fellow Saudi Pro League stars Aymeric Laporte and Franck Kessie also in attendance
- Rio Ferdinand claims Cristiano Ronaldo left his peers starstruck at the gala ahead of Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou – where names like Kanye West and Eminem were present – insisting 'there's superstars and then there's this guy'
- Francis Ngannou's trainer Dewey Cooper claims WBC president will rank the former UFC champion in top 10 heavyweights after fight against Tyson Fury
- The rise of Francis Ngannou: From walking six miles to school in Africa to sleeping rough in Paris and borrowing money to LIVE – even after becoming a UFC champion – 'The Predator' has hit the big time with Tyson Fury fight
- Oleksandr Usyk suggests Tyson Fury didn't take Francis Ngannou seriously enough after Gypsy King's unconvincing split decision win… as Ukrainian's reaction to shock third round knockdown is revealed
- Francis Ngannou attempts a SUPERMAN PUNCH in the tenth round of his clash with Tyson Fury… after knocking down the WBC Heavyweight Champion earlier in the fight
- World champion accepts Tyson Fury challenge after Gypsy King claimed brother Tommy Fury is 'the money fight' for boxing's biggest stars: 'I'd happily beat the c**p out of him'
- Amir Khan tells fan to 'shut the f**k up' after being ridiculed for awkward video where he gifts rap star Eminem a limited edition watch and wraps it on his wrist for him
- Heartwarming footage shows Cristiano Ronaldo asking Israel Adesanya for an update on Alex Volkanovski after the Aussie's brutal knockout and mental health concerns
- Conor McGregor says Tyson Fury 'couldn't hold' Francis Ngannou and marvels at his former UFC peer's formidable power as he fuels Oleksandr Usyk v Fury rumours for next clash
- Fans slam 'pure trash' opening ceremony ahead of Tyson Fury's 'Battle of the Baddest' fight against Francis Ngannou, claiming they 'came for a scrap not a concert'
- Tyson Fury reveals younger brother Tommy has banked more than £20m from his boxing career ALREADY after cashing in with influencer fights against KSI and Jake Paul
- Mike Tyson hilariously bites back at a reporter after Battle of the Baddest fight between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou – but claims the former MMA star WASN'T robbed despite his defeat
- Fabio Wardley knocks out David Adeleye in the seventh-round in British heavyweight title grudge match on the Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou undercard
- Tyson Fury threatens to SUE Oleksandr Usyk as he sets a hard deadline for their heavyweight unification fight
- Lennox Lewis insists he would've beaten Tyson Fury in a battle of legendary British heavyweights… as he reveals the game plan the late Emanuel Steward would have given him to face the Gypsy King
- Cristiano Ronaldo is seemingly BOOED by spectators as he takes his seat ringside to watch Tyson Fury take on Francis Ngannou in Riyadh… or are they paying homage to an iconic sui celebration?
- Lennox Lewis claims 'I thought Tyson Fury WON' his fight against Francis Ngannou, despite being knocked to the canvas in the third round with the three-time heavyweight champion claiming 'this was like a warm-up fight'
- Inside Francis Ngannou's stunning car collection with former UFC champion boasting a £421k Rolls Royce Phantom and £270k Ghost
- Moses Itauma secures ANOTHER first round knockout as he receives advice from Mike Tyson in bid to beat his record of becoming the youngest-ever world champion
- Tyson Fury v Francis Ngannou PREDICTIONS: Tommy Fury foresees 'early night' for MMA star, Derek Chisora claims Gypsy King will be DROPPED, while Eddie Hearn calls contest a 'total mismatch'… but Mike Tyson predicts shock knockout win
- Cristiano Ronaldo leads the famous faces at the gala dinner ahead of Tyson Fury's Battle of the Baddest fight against Francis Ngannou – with iconic rapper Eminem and Rio Ferdinand also in attendance in Saudi Arabia
- Fury vs Ngannou: Israel Adesanya in line for over £100,000 payout after placing $20,000 on Gypsy King to be KO'd by 'The Predator' in the Battle of the Baddest – as former UFC champ embraces Cristiano Ronaldo before Riyadh showdown
- Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk share unexpected embrace ahead of his Battle of the Baddest fight against Francis Ngannou after the date announcement for their Christmas clash
- Billy Joe Saunders says Tyson Fury 'has too many 'yes men' in his camp' and wasn't fully focused in split decision win over boxing newcomer Francis Ngannou
- Joseph Parker KNOCKS OUT Simon Kean with a sensational third-round uppercut on the Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou undercard as the former WBO champion improves to 3-0 in 2023
- Tyson Fury addressed prime minister Rishi Sunak with emotional knife crime plea after cousin was stabbed to death
- A topless face-off with Mike Tyson, trashing a stage, headbutting a glass wall – and lashing out at KSI: The bizarre pre-fight antics of Tyson Fury's hellraising father John – as bemused fans brand him 'the most embarrassing man on the planet'
- Mike Tyson shows off his ripped physique aged 57 as the former world heavyweight champion helps MMA star Francis Ngannou prepare for his crossover fight with Tyson Fury
- Tyson Fury's face is left battered and bruised after his split decision victory over Francis Ngannou… while the former MMA star looks fine despite defeat
- Tyson Fury looks in lean shape after cutting down his 'love handles' in a remarkable body transformation in just seven weeks before fighting Francis Ngannou
- Chris Eubank Jr insists Tyson Fury 'deserved to LOSE' against Francis Ngannou… as he claims the victorious Gypsy King had spent 'too much time filming Netflix specials rather than in the gym'
- Tyson Fury has an estimated £130m net worth and a five-inch height advantage on Francis Ngannou, but the former UFC champ's £421k Rolls Royce is worth more than the Gypsy King's cars and his punches can reach further! TALE OF THE TAPE for Saturday's fight
- Tyson Fury weighs in heavier than Francis Ngannou ahead of their Battle of the Baddest clash in Saudi Arabia… with the Gypsy King tipping the scales at 277lbs – nine pounds more than his weight ahead of victory over Derek Chisora last December
- John Fury furiously warns KSI he will 'hound him to DEATH and ruin his career' if the YouTube star doesn't pay up £200,000 after losing bet in his boxing defeat against his son Tommy
- EXCLUSIVE: Francis Ngannou warns Tyson Fury not to try any 'tricky s***' after being accused of tampering with his gloves during wins against Deontay Wilder… as he insists he relishes being an underdog for Saudi Arabia clash
- Harry Kane humbly claims his halfway line goal in Bayern Munich hat-trick 'one of the better ones in my career' as he soaks up the praise for stunning contribution to 8-0 thrashing in Bundesliga
- Springboks reign once more! South Africa retain their World Cup crown after nerve-shredding 12-11 win over New Zealand in Paris – their third consecutive victory by just ONE point… as they become first side to lift trophy for a fourth time
- Former Canadian tennis star Eugenie Bouchard joined by friends to show off incredible physique dressed in lacey catwoman outfit for Halloween
- Eddie Jones resigns as Australia boss after disastrous Rugby World Cup campaign
- Luis Diaz's father is 'rescued from a kidnapping in Colombia' after a shootout left two abductors dead… hours after his mother was also reported to be rescued
- Arsene Wenger says Mikel Arteta's keeper rotation 'doesn't work' as legendary Arsenal boss backs Aaron Ramsdale to regain the No 1 spot from David Raya
- EXCLUSIVE: Anthony Elanga on why he has no regrets over swapping Man United for Nottingham Forest, what it's like to play with Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic… and who he tips to be the Red Devils' next big star!
- Joe Marler tells former England star to 'eat s*** after the prop was accused of 'showing a lack of respect' by snubbing Sir Bill Beaumont… as he collected his Rugby World Cup bronze medal
- Harry Kane scores incredible goal FROM HIS OWN HALF as he hits a hat-trick with Bayern Munich hitting EIGHT second-half goals in thrashing of Darmstadt – with three players sent off!
- Arsenal 5-0 Sheffield United: Eddie Nketiah nets his first Premier League hat-trick as the Gunners cut the gap to Tottenham to two points – with Fabio Vieira and Takehiro Tomiyasu also scoring
- Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones are spotted in attendance at El Clasico after the iconic British rock band agreed to sponsor Barcelona's shirts for the crunch clash
- England boss Shaun Wane labels Tonga 'disgraceful' after 14-4 victory over the Pacific Islanders to clinch series win in Huddersfield
- OLIVER HOLT: Jude Bellingham is Il Fenomeno, the King of Madrid and the impact he is having in Spain feels almost other-worldly after El Clasico heroics… he is only 20 yet he is taking European football by storm
- DANNY MURPHY: Sir Jim Ratcliffe MUST include meeting Man United's stars in his long to-do list – after completing his 25 percent purchase of the club
- Sir Alex Ferguson pens emotional 1,000-word tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton ahead of Manchester derby… as he labels the United legend 'his tower of strength' and the 'greatest English player of all time'
- MIKE BROWN: Make Ellis Genge captain and England can WIN the Rugby World Cup in 2027… there is so much talent, they just need the right systems and playing style
- Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz LOCK OUT the front row for the Mexican Grand Prix as Ferrari overcomes Q1 and Q2 struggles to shock the grid
- RIATH AL-SAMARRAI: Alejandro Garnacho's tweet about Andre Onana which featured two gorilla emojis wasn't malicious… but the Man United youngster must be charged by the FA
- IN THE MONEY: Fury as Glazers avoid big tax bill after selling 25 per cent of the club to Sir Jim Ratcliffe… while Everton's potential new owners will use loans to fund their takeover, but won't take them out against the club
- Tragedy as American ice hockey star Adam Johnson dies aged 29 'after skate slashed his throat in freak accident during match': Devastated mother reveals 'I've lost half of my heart' as club pays tribute
- Sam Cane says Rugby World Cup final red card is something he will 'have to live with forever' following New Zealand's narrow defeat to South Africa… after the All Blacks captain was sent off in the first half
- Arsenal 'are chasing Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi'… with the Eagles 'set to demand a GIGANTIC fee in a summer bidding war for the England centre-back'
- Pep Guardiola encourages Man United to follow Man City's lead and give Erik ten Hag time to turn it around at Old Trafford but admits Liverpool have been his biggest rivals in England
- Travis Kelce 'wants KIDS with Taylor Swift in the next year or so' and she is 'all in' on the plans – and the Chiefs star has also spoken about marrying the singer as whirlwind romance hots up
- BREAKING NEWS: The mother of Liverpool star Luis Diaz 'has been rescued from a kidnapping in Colombia by assailants on motorcycles' – but the player's father is still missing
- New Zealand 11-12 South Africa – Rugby World Cup final LIVE: Springboks RETAIN their crown after nerve-shredding finish in Paris… as they become first side to lift trophy for a fourth time
- Travis Kelce dances to Taylor Swift classic 'Love Story' in Texas bar and sends the Swifties wild with viral video after watching the Rangers win their World Series game
- Son who stabbed AFL coach father Phil Walsh to death in frenzied knife attack is back in full detention after decline in his mental health
- Taylor Swift will NOT watch Travis Kelce play in the NFL this weekend as she 'needs to get back into tour mode' ahead of November Eras dates after three-month break from touring
- Taylor Swift now can't cheer Travis Kelce on in the NFL until DECEMBER – and Eras tour dates mean she WON'T be at the Super Bowl in February if the Kansas City Chiefs make it that far
- Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid – RECAP: Jude Bellingham scores last-gasp winner for Carlo Ancelotti's side as his heroic second-half brace sees visitors edge to victory in El Clasico
- EXCLUSIVE: No Taylor = Sad Travis! Glum-faced Kelce is spotted at the Chiefs' hotel in snowy Denver as he prepares to face the Broncos WITHOUT his popstar girlfriend watching on from the stands
- Robbie Fowler is sacked by Saudi side Al-Qadsiah after four months despite an unbeaten start… with the former Liverpool star named manager of the month in September!
- Novak Djokovic and Rita Ora among celebrities spotted at Rugby World Cup final as Mika performs in France, for New Zealand v South Africa clash
- Gillingham fan is arrested and given a lifetime ban after vile racist gesture targeting Newport County goalscorer Omar Bogle… just weeks after the club was handed a £12K fine by the FA for racist and sexist chanting
- For as long as I can remember the RFU has been far too cozy, it needs shaking up if England are to win another Rugby World Cup… it's left field, but they must hire South Africa's genius coach Rassie Erasmus
- Nick Riewoldt makes major family announcement after leaving Australia for the United States: 'I missed the footy season this year'
- Premier League RECAP: Eddie Nketiah seals his first Premier League HATTRICK against Sheffield United with brilliant third from range, while Bournemouth go 2-1 up against Burnley
- Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid: Jude Bellingham scores sensational double, hitting a 25-yard SCREAMER before finding the back of the net in injury time to help Carlo Ancelotti's side seal dramatic comeback victory to go top of LaLiga
- An early childhood teacher, a farm manager and an accountant turned influencer… meet the All Blacks wives and partners cheering on their side as New Zealand and South Africa battle for the Rugby World Cup
- TNT Sports' coverage of Tyson Fury's huge crossover clash with Francis Ngannou goes DOWN just 40 minutes into the show, leaving fans furious after paying £21.95 for the fight
- EXCLUSIVE: OJ Simpson looks unrecognizable as the frail NFL legend, 76, is spotted carrying groceries in Las Vegas… 28 years after being acquitted in the 'Trial of the Century'
- Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce is spotted dancing to Taylor Swift's 'Shake it Off' at Game 1 of the World Series WITHOUT pop star girlfriend
- Chelsea 0-2 Brentford – Premier League RECAP: Bryan Mbeumo seals superb away win for Bees after Ethan Pinnock's headed opener as wasteful Blues are punished at Stamford Bridge
- Meet the unlikely best team in Europe! Stacked with Premier League rejects from Man United, Chelsea, Southampton and Bournemouth… this club have won ALL 18 of their games this season
- Wolves 2-2 Newcastle – Premier League RECAP: Hwang Hee-chan twists and turns in the Magpies area before firing home fine equaliser… as Gary O'Neill's side pull themselves level to secure a point at Molineux
- England's oldest professional football club Notts County deny wild rumours that Taylor Swift wants to buy them… but can you spot all of her song titles hidden in their statement?
- Travis Kelce is filmed receiving copious amounts of friendship bracelets from Taylor Swift fans at her Eras Tour months BEFORE he began dating the singer
- Valentine Holmes had 'tough talks' with his wife after white powder scandal as NRL star breaks his silence on controversial photo
- Jay Rodriguez and Burnley fall victim to the longest VAR check EVER at five minutes long… as his goal is flagged offside, then changed by VAR to onside, then ruled offside AGAIN in critical Bournemouth clash
- EXCLUSIVE: Paul Heckingbottom could be sacked THIS WEEKEND if Sheffield United lose at Arsenal… with former Blades boss Chris Wilder in line to replace him
- All Blacks captain Sam Cane receives the first-ever RED CARD at a Rugby World Cup final… as English whistler Wayne Barnes creates history in Paris after decision was sent to the bunker for review