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Over-The-Top ESPN Broadcast Overshadows Tyson Fury-Francis Ngannou Bout

In his boxing debut, Francis Ngannou lasted longer against Tyson Fury than Deontay Wilder did in their 2020 bout

Justin Barrasso

Over-The-Top ESPN Broadcast Overshadows Tyson Fury-Francis Ngannou Bout
Over-The-Top ESPN Broadcast Overshadows Tyson Fury-Francis Ngannou Bout /

In the summer of 2017, Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather perfected the art of the crossover boxing bout.

That was a clash of two major stars at the peak of their ability and celebrity status. Since then, many have attempted–yet no one has accomplished the feat anywhere near as brilliantly.

Following the Tyson Fury-Francis Ngannou crossover bout, McGregor-Mayweather remains the standard. But to the credit of Fury and Ngannou, this fight accomplished its goal.

Fury (34-0-1) defeated Ngannou by split decision in a 10-round non-title bout. Somehow, in his first-ever boxing bout, which took place against the reigning, undefeated WBC champion, Ngannou (0-1) lasted longer against Fury than Deontay Wilder did in 2020, when he lost in the seventh round by TKO.

The fight, which began at 1:44am in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia, reflected well for both men: Ngannou went the distance and even delivered the fight’s lone knockdown, which took place in the third round. For Fury, who looked a step behind all fight, there is now added intrigue surrounding his December 23 undisputed championship fight against Oleksandr Usyk.

The way this fight unfolded, it also opened a window for a rematch, especially with the title on the line if Fury defeats Usyk.

A highlight was Ngannou’s entrance, where he was accompanied by Mike Tyson, Israel Adesanya, and Kamaru Usman–among the greatest fight entrance entourages of all-time. The whole affair was star-studded. Major celebrities were in attendance–a sampling of those included McGregor, Renaldo, Vince McMahon, The Undertaker, Eminem, and Kanye West.

In addition to the nonstop celebrities, the story of the day was ESPN’s nonstop promotion of Riyadh. There were moments when the broadcast felt especially scripted, particularly when lead announcer Joe Tessitore compared Riyadh to Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park. There was honesty during a video package detailing Mike Tyson’s rejuvenation, including his unfortunate history with the law, but all comments about the host city were glowing.

Had Dana White been promoting this fight, he would have been skewered for it. Will ESPN see any criticism for its unabashed, over-the-top promotion of a kingdom known for restricting political rights and civil liberties? It is shocking how the respected sports network was so willing to release any semblance of objectivity in exchange for money.

As for the fight, the potential nightmare of a quick affair was avoided entirely as this went a full 10 rounds.

Fury started the fight with a right hand, but there was minimal action in the opening round. In the second, Ngannou connected with a left hand when Fury dipped to jab–and a short uppercut caused a light cut on Fury’s forehead. The only fireworks occurred in the third when Ngannou scored a knockdown in the round’s waning moments, hitting a left hand in mid-range. But Fury was never dazed, and he was immediately back on his feet.

Ngannou was aggressive to start the fourth, but Fury landed a few combinations. No one absorbed any significant damage through the first five rounds, even if Fury connected with two solid jabs before the end of the fifth.

Fury landed an illegal elbow in the sixth, which will ultimately add further controversy to the decision if they run this back. The fight slowed considerably by the eighth. There was action with just over a minute remaining in the round, but again, despite Ngannou’s offense, Fury was never in danger.

Entering the tenth and final round, DraftKings’ odds favored Fury to win. But the fight ended as expected, with Fury victorious–and having a post-fight showdown with Usyk. Their December 23 bout will also take place in Saudi Arabia.

There was a glaring lack of body shots in the fight, which is difficult to explain. Mike Tyson, who helped train Ngannou for the fight, was famous for his right hook to the body. Throughout his career, Tyson would follow up that right hook with an uppercut to the chin, then deliver the knockout blow with a left hook to the head. Yet the body shots were not part of Ngannou’s strategy (he did, however, attempt a Roman Reigns inspired Superman punch). Fury is one of the sport’s all-time greats, repeatedly illustrating any ability to piece opponents apart. So why wouldn’t he attack the body?

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After the fight, Usyk shared through a translator that he thought Fury was playing with Ngannou. That in-ring interview seemed to be cut short, with Usyk clearly not receiving the memo to praise what had just transpired in the ring.

Overall, the fight accomplished what it set out to do. Ngannou proved he could last with Fury, adding to his legend–and making his upcoming PFL debut in 2024 even more noteworthy. Fury added another victory to his collection–and set up a pay-per-view bout against Usyk in December that is now far more of a mainstream affair than it was before.

Fury may have been the one with his hand raised, but don’t be fooled: there were multiple winners in this fight.

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Justin Barrasso
JUSTIN BARRASSO

Justin Barrasso has been writing for Sports Illustrated since 2014. While his primary focus is pro wrestling and MMA, he has also covered MLB, NBA, and the NFL. He can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com and followed on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.

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