It was a dream debut. Out of one of the biggest combat sports platforms and straightaway into one of the most high-profile boxing bouts. That’s how Francis Ngannou announced his arrival. He faced the reigning heavyweight champion of the world, Tyson Fury. And to what end? Not only did Ngannou score a third-round knockdown, he also went the distance, narrowly losing a split-decision victory. No wonder so many felt that ‘The Predator’ deserved a win.

Francis Ngannou eventually lost to Anthony Joshua in his second bout at the ‘Knockout Chaos’. Now the former UFC heavyweight champion will return to the octagon next month to face Renan Ferreira at the ‘PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants’. Sitting with Jake Paul, Kill Jasper, and Brandon Amato, Ngannou reflected on the ‘Battle of the Baddest’, especially its contentious outcome.

Francis Ngannou: Victories and Outcomes

With some fifteen minutes left in the show, Amato asked Ngannou about his experience fighting Tyson Fury. The Cameroonian-French fighter shared, “I mean, I was comfortable doing that because that’s basically the story of my life.” He explained that his approach to things in life has always been aiming for goals that seem unattainable to others.

However, through sheer grit and determination, he pushes himself until he succeeds. Eventually, over a period of time, the approach became a staple. “The only way that I have to go is forward; I’m not going backward,” he said. Kill Jasper jumped in and commented that basically Ngannou got ‘robbed’ when the final decision of the Fury match came.

Shaking his head, ‘The Predator’ replied, “It’s the sport.” Then Jake Paul joined, highlighting ‘it really is the sport’. Things change drastically just when one is having a fantastic run. Nevertheless, ‘The Problem Child’ espoused a case for amending the judging system in boxing. He said, “There needs to be six judge panels; there needs to be an AI component to it that’s like robotics.”

Francis Ngannou mentioned that such problems aren’t unique to boxing alone. Even the UFC has cases where judges didn’t evaluate a fight properly. He further added, “We are talking MMA that doesn’t really have that much politics involved because I think boxing is very political.” Paul concurred. He shared that it could be because boxing’s long history has allowed more room for manipulation by various stakeholders.

Francia Ngannou highlighted that in MMA, the best fighter often wins. However, there are instances where judges’ decisions leave a big question mark. Whether they were focusing on the match properly or not. Brandon Amato asked whether ‘The Predator’ felt that he won the Fury fight. “Yes or no, but it doesn’t; it didn’t matter because for me, getting that fight and getting there and getting to fight to the decision for me was the biggest win; it was all what I dreamed for,” Ngannou confessed on the podcast.

A spectacular start

The fight ended in the most sensational manner. Perhaps that’s why many would have such questions about whether Ngannou received fair treatment. However, those familiar with boxing understand that a mere knockdown doesn’t indicate victory. Tyson Fury was visibly shaken and slowed down after the third round shocker. However, subsequently, he made an effective use of his jabs to find range and keep distance. Ngannou landed more power punches, 37 to Fury’s 32. But in terms of overall shots, the Mancunian was the busier boxer—71 compared to ‘The Predator’s 59.

Nevertheless, Francis Ngannou delivered a surprise package. He had a short time to prepare for the pro boxing debut. But the way he dealt with the heavyweight challenge is stuff of legends. Clearly, he deserves every credit for pulling off one of the most impressive performances last year.

What is your take on the Fury-Ngannou fight? Do you still feel the Ngannou should have been declared the winner?