RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - In a thrilling showdown, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou showcased his boxing skills, going toe-to-toe with WBC heavyweight champ Tyson Fury in a close split decision loss on Saturday. Despite the absence of Fury's title on the line, Ngannou's performance left a lasting impression and raised questions about his future in the world of boxing.

The fight took an unexpected turn when Ngannou, a native of Cameroon, knocked down the previously undefeated Fury in the third round, securing the lone knockdown of the match. With one judge in his favor, Ngannou's confidence in his boxing abilities soared, particularly compared to his mixed martial arts (MMA) background.

Speaking after the fight, Dewey Cooper, Ngannou's striking coach at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, expressed optimism about his protégé's bright future in the sport. Cooper believed that the knockdown should have given them an advantage, as reflected by one judge's close scoring of 95-94. Despite the loss, Cooper considered it a magnificent achievement, defying the odds and proving critics wrong.

The boxing world immediately began debating whether Ngannou deserved to win, with some even suggesting a potential rematch with Fury for his next fight instead of a title unification bout with Oleksandr Usyk. Another option considered was for Ngannou to continue boxing against other notable heavyweight contenders, potentially solidifying his spot in the top 10 rankings.

Cooper confirmed that Mauricio Sulaiman, President of the WBC, expressed his intention to rank Ngannou in the top 10 based on his performance, further bolstering the idea of future high-profile boxing matches for the heavyweight fighter.

When considering Ngannou's career choices, it is worth noting that he bet on himself by leaving the UFC while still holding the heavyweight championship title. This decision ultimately led him to forego what would have been a historic payday as the highest-paid heavyweight in the organization's history, according to UFC CEO Dana White.

Now, Cooper believes that Ngannou's remarkable display of skill in the combat sports world will garner the respect he deserves, despite the disputed scoring that denied him the victory. Cooper acknowledged the complex nature of boxing decisions and emphasized the need for transparency to keep the sport authentic.

Regardless of what lies ahead, Ngannou's endurance and tenacity in his boxing debut left an indelible mark. Having already endured a grueling 25-minute match in the UFC while battling an injury, Ngannou's 30-minute display against Fury solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor, earning praise and admiration.

While the outcome may not have gone Ngannou's way, his performance against a prime champion redefines him as a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world. Fans eagerly await news of Ngannou's next venture, as the heavyweight fighter continues to make waves and carve out his legacy.

For more on the match between Fury and Ngannou, stay tuned to MMA Junkie, their event hub provides comprehensive coverage of the thrilling encounter.

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