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“Did Better Than What I Expected”: In Awe of Francis Ngannou Knocking Down Tyson Fury, Claressa Shields Lauds Ex-UFC Champion’s Performance In Debut Boxing Fight

Published 10/29/2023, 12:35 PM EDT

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In an astonishing turn of events that left spectators in awe, Francis Ngannou, the former UFC champion, showcased his incredible prowess in the boxing ring. In his debut match, titled “The Battle of the Baddest,” Ngannou knocked down the renowned Tyson Fury during the third round.

The highly anticipated debut fight had fans on the edge of their seats, and Ngannou’s performance surpassed all expectations. From the opening bell, Ngannou displayed his raw power and precision, surprising everyone with his boxing skills despite his background in mixed martial arts. 

Although the match was called a split decision in favor of Tyson Fury, spectators, including seasoned boxers, marveled at Ngannou’s performance. Claressa Shields, a boxing legend herself, was quick to acknowledge Ngannou’s remarkable achievement. 

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Claressa Shields feels that Francis Ngannou surpassed expectations

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Claressa expressed her admiration for Ngannou’s performance, stating,” Francis did better than what I expected! Extremely! I can’t believe he dropped Fury!!!! Wow!” Shields’ words echoed the sentiments of many fans who were left speechless by Ngannou’s performance in the ring.

The awe expressed by Claressa is not unsurprising. From the moment the bell rang, it became clear that Ngannou had dedicated himself to mastering the intricacies of the sport, and although he suffered a loss, his prowess will etch itself into the annals of boxing history.

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Transitioning from UFC to professional boxing is no small feat. His victory solidifies his status as a formidable presence in combat sports. Furthermore, his prowess will inspire many.

Revisiting The Ring: Fury vs Ngannou

Ngannou delivered a powerful left hook in the third round that sent WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury to the canvas. Despite this unexpected turn of events, Fury managed to recover, enduring the match with a cut forehead and a minor mark beneath his left eye. The judges’ decision, however, sparked controversy. While one judge scored the match 95-94 in favor of Ngannou, two others awarded the victory to Fury with scores of 96-93 and 95-94. This allowed him to maintain his undefeated record.

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Post-match, Fury expressed his surprise, stating, “That definitely wasn’t in the script.” he told The Athletic. He praised Ngannou’s skills, acknowledging him as a formidable opponent with unexpected boxing prowess. With this victory, Fury now prepares to face Oleksandr Usyk, the WBA, IBF, and WBO champion, in a historic battle.

Both fighters aim to achieve a feat not seen since Lennox Lewis: holding the undisputed Heavyweight championship. Francis Ngannou’s loss against Tyson Fury is shocking, even for a newcomer.

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This thrilling debut has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world of sports, and fans can’t wait to see what the future holds for this remarkable athlete.

Watch This Story: Francis Ngannou’s Grueling Workout and Diet Routine With Mike Tyson as His Trainer

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Written by:

Simona Pereira

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Simona Isha Pereira is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports. With a background in content creation, Simona thrives on the raw energy and riveting pre-game drama as much as the bouts themselves. One of Simona's defining moments in boxing occurred during the "Terence vs.
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Edited by:

Snigdhaa Jaiswal