Fury survives knockdown to claim controversial victory against Ngannou

WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury defeated former UFC fighter Francis Ngannou on a split decision in a non-title fight in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, nearly delivering one of boxing's biggest upsets.

Fury, the unbeaten holder of one of the sport's most prestigious belts, narrowly avoided his first loss at the hands of a 37-year-old opponent who had never boxed professionally before but went the full 10 rounds with swagger.

Ngannou dropped the Briton to the canvas with a left hook in round three, and while the 35-year-old self-styled "Gypsy King" was able to finish the round, he had no doubts about what he was up against.

"That definitely wasn’t in the script," said Fury after two judges awarded him the win, 96-93 and 95-94. The third judge ruled in favor of his Cameroonian-French opponent, 95-94.

"He’s a hell of a fighter and a hell of a lot better boxer than we thought he would be. He’s an awkward man and a good puncher and I respect him a lot. He’s given me one of my toughest fights of the last 10 years."

There is no rematch clause in the contract, but Fury stated that he would like to fight Ngannou again "down the line" and after an undisputed title fight with Ukraine's IBF, IBO, WBO, and WBA champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Both champions have stated that they will meet in Riyadh on December 23, a date that has yet to be officially announced.

Usyk, who was in Saudi Arabia to observe his future opponent, stated that he was prepared.

SportsLigue