“That Was Just Bad Preparation”: While Branding Tyson Fury “Lucky” for Winning Francis Ngannou Fight, Eddie Hearn Pulls No Punches Back While Being Brutally Honest About the ‘Gypsy King’s Performance

In the aftermath of a fight that left jaws on the floor, Eddie Hearn didn’t mince words. Tyson Fury, a Goliath among boxers, didn’t bulldoze this time. Instead, he teetered on what Hearn deems a stroke of sheer luck. The ‘Gypsy King’s encounter with Francis Ngannou was no regal affair, but a scramble to the finish where Fury barely clung to his crown. Boxing’s royal rumble took a strange turn, one that Hearn likens to a fumble in the dark.

Fury’s victory? A controversial scrape-through, claims Hearn candidly. Something about Fury’s bout seemed amiss, a discord in the melody of his storied fists. Hearn’s revelations hint at a larger tale, one where preparation may have been the hidden Achilles’ heel.

Eddie Hearn questions Fury’s punch resistance in recent bout

Eddie Hearn’s view reflects a sentiment echoed by many onlookers: Francis Ngannou might have edged out Tyson Fury. The crux of this belief stems from Ngannou’s adherence to a seemingly effective game plan, which Hearn underscores with both surprise and a hint of admiration. “Everyone’s talking about how bad Fury was, but you got to give props to Ngannou,” Hearn emphasized. Suggesting the MMA fighter-turned-boxer’s strategy outmatched Fury’s own.

According to Hearn, Fury’s performance was “bizarre,” a descriptor that rarely finds itself attached to the seasoned boxer’s exhibitions. He painted a picture of a champion who not only yielded to Ngannou’s game plan but looked startlingly different from his indomitable self. “I felt Ngannou won the fight,” Hearn confessed, expressing disbelief at the outcome when the final bell tolled, adding, “Tyson was very lucky in that respect.” 

Hearn didn’t shy away from critiquing Fury’s physical resilience. “I don’t think his punch resistance is the same,” he declared, implying a diminished capacity to withstand hits. This, combined with a seeming hesitancy in the ring, led Hearn to question everything from Fury’s preparation to his focus, considering the looming super-fight with Oleksandr Usyk.

These insights painted a clear picture of a contest that, to Hearn, seemed to slip through Fury’s larger-than-life persona. Hearn remarked, “He looked afraid in the fight. I don’t know whether that was just bad preparation or thinking about the Usyk fight. I am sure there’s a little bit of all that.” The promoter’s words carry weight, transitioning the discussion from a simple controversy to an in-depth analysis of Fury’s readiness and capability on the night of the bout.

Ngannou’s debut deserved a historic win

Despite Ngannou being a newcomer to professional boxing, Hearn believed he had done enough to dethrone the heavyweight champion. “For a debutant to beat the world heavyweight champion – I know he’s won the respect of people, but he should actually be walking away with the greatest victory in the history of boxing. That’s the reality,” Hearn stated.

Also Read: “I Don’t Think He Won More Than Three Rounds”: Former World Champion Justifies the Decision of Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou

The unexpected third-round knockdown that put Fury to the mat seemed to signal a win for Ngannou. Yet the split decision went otherwise, sparking debates of a ‘robbery’ among boxing enthusiasts. Hearn’s reaction resonated with the broader sentiment, as the community was left in disbelief over the result, feeling that Ngannou’s formidable display warranted not just respect but the victory itself in what could have been a historic outcome for the sport.

Ultimately, the conversation pivots back to the fans and aficionados of the sport. What do they deem a fair judgment in such closely contested battles? Does Ngannou’s near victory against a seasoned opponent like Fury highlight a gap in the scoring system that needs to be addressed? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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