Tyson Fury given impressive honour by Francis Ngannou after controversial boxing match
Tyson Fury has been hailed by Francis Ngannou after their recent boxing match
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Francis Ngannou has given Tyson Fury the honour of being the hardest hitter he's ever faced.
The duo recently went up against each other in Saudi Arabia, with A-listers such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Oleksandr Usyk and Conor McGregor all attending the fight.
Fury had, prior to the battle, been the overwhelming favourite to emerge victorious.
But those watching were left stunned when the 35-year-old was knocked to the floor in the third round.
Tyson Fury was knocked down in round three of their recent boxing showdown in Saudi Arabia
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Fury eventually got up and won via split decision.
That's a decision Ngannou won't be appealing, with the former UFC star having learned to accept the outcome.
And he's now hailed his rival, insisting he's the hardest puncher he's ever faced during his sporting career.
Speaking on The Last Stand, Ngannou said: Fury punches pretty good. I ate some of his shots – he punches very strong.
"And he was with 10oz gloves, because MMA fights are 4oz gloves.
"In boxing it’s 10oz. I think, so far, he is the top [hard hitter.]”
Ngannou was also amazed that Fury was 'conscious' after sending the Gypsy King down on the canvas.
“I was [feeling] pretty good," added the 37-year-old, who had made his boxing debut.
"I mean, I have watched Fury many times, I have watched him take a strong hand, go down, unconscious and then come back.
"So I knew [I could knock him down].
"I was expecting [more] because I was looking at him, his eyes were open, he looks like he was all conscious.”
With Fury's fight with Ngannou now out of the way, the Briton is expected to face Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk is, like his upcoming opponent, undefeated in the sport so far.
Fury has been widely criticised for the way he performed against Ngannou, with many feeling he wasn't at his best.
Usyk, however, thinks the 35-year-old will step up his game when they step into the ring - with that battle expected to take place in February.
"I think that Tyson Fury underestimated Francis Ngannou," Usyk told Sky Sports over the weekend.
"He will be different with me. I think he will make some conclusions after his last fight.
"But again, I absolutely don't care about how he'll behave. What I care for is how I will behave.
"Ngannou did a good job in the gym. Then showed a good level on the ring.
"Very few people believed in Ngannou. Even when I was asked about him I replied that he's not enough."
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Tyson Fury is set for a boxing match with Oleksandr Usyk pending an official announcement
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Fury vs Usyk hasn't been confirmed just yet - and the Ukrainian has suggested all isn't straightforward behind the scenes.
"I'm not 100 per cent sure. I will be sure when I'm the ring," he added.
"Only when I hear the sound of a bell that's when I'll understand that yes, the game is on."