“ Been Too Stagnant for Too Long”: Boxing World Left Divided as Fans Rank Their Top 3 Heavyweight Fighters

An innocuous query seems to have grabbed the attention of scores of fans and followers. For all that matters, its roots lie in the recently concluded Tyson Fury versus Francis Ngannou match in Riyadh. Though the Englishman won, it was the former UFC Heavyweight champion’s performance that became the talking point for everyone. Many felt that the latter, a mixed martial artist making his boxing debut, had knocked an entire division for six.

Michael Benson took to his Instagram account and asked, “What is your ranking of the top three heavyweights in the world after Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou?” It appeared as if the followers were waiting for such a probe. Soon, it was to each his own, followed by various permutations and combinations.

Turbulence in the division

The following user finds it an eventful moment for the Heavyweight division. They believe that more than ever, it needs a change of pace like this. Otherwise, it has been stuck in a rut too long: “This is the shake-up heavyweight boxing needs [right now]. Been too stagnant for too long.” But the next user postulates that everything is meaningless until Oleksandr Usyk and Fury square off. Until then, it is just a bunch of empty talks: “It’s all irrelevant until Usyk and Fury fight each other. Until then, it’s all noise.”

Putting it matter-of-factly, in this fan’s opinion, Francis Ngannou should be ranked as the second-best Heavyweight of all time. Outside of ‘The Gypsy King,’ he is unbeatable: “Come on, boys, we gotta put Ngannou as the 2nd best Heavyweight in history. He beats everyone apart from Fury.” However, soon, a Fury fan joined. According to him, most followers pass their judgments at the drop of a hat. Despite his poor performance on Saturday night, he remains superior to everyone else: “Everybody is so quick to judge. Fury is still the best despite an off night.”

Finally, this fan ranked his list: Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and Oleksandr Usyk. They stated that Fury underestimated Ngannou and likely didn’t train as hard as he claimed. Now that he has shown what he can accomplish, ‘The Predator’ should go against another formidable opponent, “Tyson, Fury, Wilder, [and] Usyk. Fury definitely underestimated Francis and probably didn’t train the way he said he did. Francis did a good job. Now let’s see him against another heavyweight.”

Heavyweight landscape with Ngannou’s climb

Per the latest updates, WBC might include Ngannou in the top ten rankings. However, a single performance would be too far-fetched to draw comparisons with other Heavyweights waiting in line. Though he suffered a setback in round 3, when Ngannou’s left hand sent him down, for the remaining duration, Fury kept him at bay through the effective use of jabs. Though valid questions remain, with his vast exposure, experience, and skill, why couldn’t ‘The Gypsy King’ force an early stoppage against a debuting boxer?

A rematch could be a way to concede whether Francis Ngannou merits the respect and admiration other Heavyweights such as Wilder, Usyk, and Anthony Joshua command. Otherwise, a match with one of the top challengers or contenders would help settle any doubts about whether the Cameroonian-French, in the long run, could be considered a potent threat to claim world titles.

Read More: “Why Is Boxing Corrupt”: Furious Fans Vent Out at Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou Controversial Decision

What’s your take on the reactions? Do you believe that with just one fight, Francis Ngannou has stirred an entire division? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

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