Francis Ngannou surges to top 10 WBC heavyweight rankings after first pro fight against Tyson Fury

FRANCIS NGANNOU has surged to tenth in the WBC world rankings following his exhibition bout with Tyson Fury.

The Cameroonian almost provided the biggest shock in boxing history when he floored Fury in the third round of their ten round bout.

AFP

Ngannou has surged to 10th in the WBC heavyweight rankings[/caption]

Reuters

Ngannou very nearly shocked the world in his bout with Fury[/caption]

While Fury won the fight via split decision back in October, many felt Ngannou had the better of the WBC world champion.

His entry into the WBC rankings means Fury’s belt would be on the line if the two were to rematch.

Ngannou, 37, was a legendary figure in UFC and held the heavyweight belt until January this year.

He was stripped of the title following a pay dispute with UFC head honcho Dana White, however.

That left the MMA star dispirited, given the UFC is the premium competition for MMA fighters.

Ngannou’s incredible performance against Fury – as well as his official ranking in the WBC – has left the door open for the fighter to now pursue a career in boxing.

Any rematch with Fury will have to wait, however, as the WBC champion is set to fight Oleksandr Usyk for the title of undisputed heavyweight champion.

Fury is set to fight Usyk in February, although the bout has already been subject to repeated delay.

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On the subject of a rematch, Ngannou told TMZ: “I would be willing to wait [for Fury to fight Usyk].

“I know that they are going to fight, they had a contract already, so they are going to fight sometime in February instead of December 23, which is my fault

“I shouldn’t have cut him. He would’ve fought December 23, and maybe we would’ve run it back early next year.”