Tyson Fury survives an almighty scare against boxing newcomer Francis Ngannou... as the Gypsy King battles back from third round knock down to secure a split decision victory on the judges scorecards

Tyson Fury, his massive paymasters, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the best laid plans of world heavyweight boxing were shaken to the roots before the Gypsy King staged the narrowest of escapes from the sensational loss of his unbeaten record. Francis Ngannou sent Tyson Fury to the canvas with a thunderous left hook in round three Fury got back to his feet to box his way into the fight and won narrowly on points Fury just did enough to hold onto his heavyweight title, but Ngannou pushed him closer than many expected Francis Ngannou gave such a magnificent account of himself that no-one would have begrudged him the triumph of his life. Riyadh put on a spectacular opening ceremony prior to the main event Fury looks set to fight Oleksandr Usyk, but plans for an undisputed clash nearly went up in smoke in Riyadh JEFF POWELL'S SCORECARD ROUND 1 - Fury 10-9 Ngannou ROUND 2 - Fury 9-10 Ngannou ROUND 3 - Fury 8-10 Ngannou ROUND 4 - Fury 10-9 Ngannou ROUND 5 - Fury 10-9 Ngannou ROUND 6 - Fury 10-9 Ngannou ROUND 7 - Fury 10-9 Ngannou ROUND 8 - Fury 9-10 Ngannou ROUND 9 - Fury 10-9 Ngannou ROUND 10 - Fury 10-9 Ngannou FINAL SCORE: Fury 96-93 Ngannou That arena was already heaving in anticipation of the electrifying song, dance, fire and light show which opened the Riyadh season - a festival packed with concerts, art, culture and multiple sports which runs well into the New Year all across the capital. Then he told Ngannou: ‘I’m gonna bash you up.’ The first bash, a right, came from Ngannou but after some fending Fury imposed his left jab and took the round with a hefty right. Ngannou's left hook was a dangerous weapon throughout, and it caught Fury as he fell in several times Ngannou was back in business in round eight with two massive left hooks which sent Fury reeling and then a flurry of punches which had the Gypsy King close to being floored again.