Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou Live Updates: Ngannou scores early knockdown, Fury escapes with a split decision win [VIDEO]

Final Results: Fury wins by split decision (95-94 Ngannou, 96-93 Fury, 95-94 Fury)

Live update (6:04 p.m. ET) - An electric olympic style opening ceremony and we are about 30 minutes away from Fury-Ngannou. Take a look at the ring as it ascends for the main event.

The crossover boxing scene takes on the heavyweight division with a fight this weekend. WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (33-0-1, 24 KOs) and former UFC heavyweight titleholder Francis Ngannou (17-3, 12 KOs in MMA) are scheduled for 10 rounds live from Saudi Arabia.

Fury-Ngannou will stream on ESPN+ PPV on Saturday, October 28 with coverage beginning at 2 p.m. ET.

Fury gets his first fight of the year, with his last bout ending with a swift 10th-round TKO win over Derek Chisora. The lineal heavyweight champion of the world has won 6 consecutive fights, including knockouts over Tom Schwarz, Deontay Wilder (twice), and Dillian Whyte. The 35-year-old will likely use this exhibition as a warm-up before his mega-fight with unified heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk.

Ngannou begins his boxing career after a dominant nine-year run in the UFC. The 37-year-old had won 5 of his last 6 fights in the octagon by knockout, unifying the heavyweight title before stepping away. Ngannou signed a groundbreaking contract with the Professional Fighters League in January 2023 after talks with the UFC stalled. This multi-fight deal gives him flexibility and more importantly a shot at some of the best in the world.

This highly anticipated bout adds yet another chapter in the boxing/MMA crossover rivalry. Fury is a -1400 betting favorite for this fight at DraftKings Sportsbook. Ngannou enters with +750 underdog odds.

Tune in on Saturday as we will be providing live updates and round-by-round analysis.

Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou round-by-round results

Round 1: Fury 10-9

Fury looks comfortable early as he lands a nice right hand. Ngannou presses forward with a punch but misses. Impressive work to the body from Ngannou. Right hand over the top from Fury. Good jab from Fury to end the round.

Round 2: Fury 10-9 (Fury 20-18)

Fury with his foot on the gas, lands a nice jab and now with a small cut. Beginning to wear down Ngannou a bit. But Fury yet to land a big time punch of note. Fury remains in control but it’s a solid start for the challenger Ngannou.

Round 3: Ngannou 10-8 (28-28)

Ngannou looks good and Fury searching for some answers. Big LEFT HOOK and Fury goes down! What a shot from Ngannou and the crowd is in shock.

Round 4: Fury 10-9 (Fury 38-37)

The momentum has shifted and Ngannou is now walking down Fury in a tremendous change of events. Uh oh Fury has found his stride. Huge right and Ngannou has slowed down a bit. This is a fight ladies and gentlemen!

Round 5: Fury 10-9 (Fury 48-46)

Slight uppercut nearly lands for Fury, but he follows up with a nice 1-2 combination to the button of Ngannou. Fury packed a lot on that combination and Ngannou felt it. Nice rebound for the Gypsy King who will likely need a knockdown to get full control of the scorecards.

Round 6: Fury 10-9 (Fury 58-55)

Fury gaining some ground but putting on a huge performance is Ngannou. “The Predator” is head hunting for another big haymaker. Fury doing what he does best, some faints and footwork to keep Ngannou searching. Oof elbow from Fury and the ref doesn’t see it. Fury seems to be awake now, but Ngannou giving him a ton of action.

Round 7: Fury 10-9 (Fury 68-64)

Fury by a slim margin, but Ngannou still hanging in there. Fury for the first time unable to find a solid rhythm against an opponent, tons of grabbing from both sides.

Round 8: Ngannou 10-9 (Fury 77-74)

Ngannou on pace to make history. He is putting together a top tier show against the worlds best heavyweight. Left hands and solid work. Fury looks lost and Ngannou has taken over. What a great fight and Ngannou could seal the deal with another knockdown.

Round 9: Ngannou 10-9 (Fury 86-84)

Straight left from Ngannou to start round nine. Fury responds back with a jab. Right from Fury connects. Ngannou throws an overhand right and misses leading to another tie up. Tough round to score, but Ngannou now in control.

Round 10: Ngannou 10-9 (Fury 95-94)

Quiet the round from both. What an absolute shock as Fury looks timid against Ngannou. Hard to score this one, but if you’re Ngannou and his camp you walk away feeling great about his performance. He put up an excellent game plan and made Fury look afraid at times. A premier crossover event for boxing fans!