Overview

• Francis Ngannou, making his boxing debut, managed to knock down heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in the third round, a feat that surprised spectators and changed the perception of crossover fights.
• Despite losing on a split decision, Ngannou's impressive performance against Fury has sparked speculation for rematches or new matches against other heavyweight boxers such as Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua.
• Ngannou's unusual success in the boxing ring has opened up new possibilities for mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters transitioning into boxing, offering potential new routes for athletes within both sports.
• Ngannou's performance has also created excitement for his future fights in MMA, having signed a lucrative contract with the Professional Fighters League following a dispute with the UFC.
• On the other hand, Fury's shaky performance against a debutant boxer has prompted discussions about these high-risk, high-reward crossover fights, posing concerns over legacy and audience retention for established boxers.