Tyson Fury’s performance against Francis Ngannou has some questioning how he will fare against Oleksandr Usyk – arguably the most important fight of his career.
Ngannou entered the boxing ring for the first time as a professional, dropping Fury in the third round and pushing the action at many points over the ten rounds.
Despite losing a split decision, he was the moral victor on the night, with Fury left bruised and having to explain a below-par performance.
Speaking to ES News, former world champion Amir Khan said that he was so shocked by the way the fight played out that he wants the two heavyweights to run it back.
“I was very shocked. I thought that Ngannou was just getting knocked out, Fury was gonna just walk right through him. Everyone thought that, if you look at the record, 34-0 against a guy who’s never boxed before.
I understand that he might be good at UFC but when it comes down to boxing, it’s only hands. What he did in the fight, man, he surprised us all. A lot of people thought he won that fight. I don’t know if Tyson didn’t take it seriously.
I want to see the second one, cause I don’t know what’s gonna happen. This time Tyson will probably train harder and knock him out – let’s see.”
Contractually, the rematch can’t happen straightaway. Fury has signed to face the division’s other champion, Oleksandr Usyk, in an undisputed clash now set for February.
Whilst some pundits have changed their view on how that contest goes due to his Ngannou showing, Khan remains confident that Fury wins.
“I got Tyson [but] Usyk is a dangerous fighter as well.”
Fury and Usyk have a rematch clause in the contract, meaning Ngannou will likely have to sit on the sidelines for two fights before getting a second crack at the Brit.