Eddie Hearn wasn’t in Saudi Arabia, however he actually had ideas on the largest boxing matchup of the weekend after Tyson Fury squeaked by former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou through cut up choice.
“You could have one man who has by no means boxed earlier than, preventing a man who additionally seemed like he by no means boxed earlier than,” the Matchroom Boxing promoter advised DAZN. “I can’t consider what we had been watching — a whole novice in everyone’s ebook simply beat Tyson Fury. Ngannou received that struggle. He dropped him. I imply, they did little or no within the again finish of the struggle, however Fury seemed like … you’re speaking concerning the lineal heavyweight champion of the world.”
Fury closed as a -1400 betting favourite towards the huge underdog Ngannou, nonetheless the struggle actually didn’t play out that manner. The present PFL heavyweight was aggressive with the lineal boxing champion from begin to end, even scoring a knockdown on Fury within the third spherical in what turned out to be the bout’s most impactful second.
“I watched it again and it didn’t even seem like a giant shot,” Hearn stated. “Respect to Francis Ngannou. He stepped within the ring, he’s by no means boxed earlier than — I nonetheless suppose he will get beat by many ranges beneath that, however respect to him.”
After the victory, Fury is now anticipated to face Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukranian heavyweight who holds the game’s different main world titles, in an undisputed championship struggle. The 2 opponents even confronted off following the primary occasion bout on Saturday.
Hearn believes Ngannou deserves a rematch with Fury, however says his fighter Anthony Joshua would love the possibility to face Fury — and even Ngannou — within the aftermath of the surprising 10-round contest.
“Overlook Fury-Usyk,” Hearn stated. “Overlook it, as a result of, one, Ngannou simply beat him. You both give him the rematch, or let [Joshua] finish his profession. Six rounds is all we want there. But when Fury has to struggle Usyk, let A.J. take care of Ngannou. Three rounds is all we want there.
“We by no means even anticipated to say Ngannou’s identify, however he’s earned that proper. He beat Tyson Fury — and I see folks saying Ngannou would beat Anthony Joshua. Simply watch, make that struggle and see what occurs, three rounds is all we want. But when we wish to struggle Tyson Fury and finish his profession, that’s not an issue both.
“What a large number. What a large number we’ve fabricated from boxing tonight. However what a spectacle.”
