Tyson Fury beats Francis Ngannou by split decision after knockdown – as it happened

10/28/2023 07:08 PM

• Fury knocked down but wins split decision over Ngannou
• Official scores: 95-94 for Ngannou; 96-93 and 95-94 for Fury

Michael Buffer has taken his place at the center of the ring and it's time for the fighter entrances in Riyadh. Drake's Started From the Bottom plays on the arena sound system as 10 performers spread across the semi-circled stage wave Cameroon flags to the beat of the track. It appears there might be a slight delay as Buffer treads water on his introduction. And here finally is Ngannou, who appears beneath a gold crown wearing black robe with gold trim. A member of his entourage removes the prop and he ambles methodically toward the ring surrounded by a group that includes former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya as the song transitions to Drake's Child's Play. He's into the ring as he waits for ...

The opening ceremony has concluded. The four-song set ended with Lil Baby performing Pepper alongside Flowdan with a prize-ring slowly emerging from the floor next to the stage. It won't be much longer now.