Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Latest boxing fight updates and reaction after controversial result in Saudi Arabia

Tyson Fury won a controversial decision against Francis Ngannou in the pair’s boxing match on Saturday night, surviving a knockdown by the MMA star in Saudi Arabia.

Fury entered Riyadh with an unbeaten professional record, while ex-UFC champion Ngannou was making his boxing debut. Fury, 35, did not defend his WBC heavyweight title in the fight, which went for all 10 scheduled rounds and saw Ngannou, 37, arguably do enough to beat the boxer.

The Cameroonian dropped the Briton with a left hook in Round 3, stunning those in attendance and the wider combat-sports world. Ngannou continued to outbox Fury for much of the bout, only to be denied a victory when the scorecards were read aloud.

After a close fight, Fury was named a split-decision winner, and he faced off with unified heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk, whom he is expected to fight next – also in Saudi.

Re-live all the action with our fight updates and results, below.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE

• Tyson Fury fought ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou in a boxing match in Saudi Arabia

• MMA star Ngannou was making boxing debut; Fury entered Riyadh unbeaten as a professional

• FURY DOWN! Ngannou with a stunning hook to the top of the head in Round 3!

• CONTROVERSY! Fury won via split decision after razor-close fight

• How much money did Fury and Ngannou make for controversial crossover fight?

• TNT Sports stream failed, leaving viewers fuming at screeching sound

• David Adeleye punched referee after loss on Fury vs Ngannou undercard

Steve Bunce: Fury embarrassed by Ngannou and the punch that changed boxing

11:11 , Jamie Braidwood

Francis Ngannou came close to pulling off the biggest and most outrageous shock in boxing history just after midnight on Saturday in Riyadh.

Ngannou had never once fought as a boxer, but for ten rounds he bullied, pushed, clubbed, hit and dropped the unbeaten world heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury.

At the end of ten rounds, Fury won a controversial split decision to remain unbeaten, but his bruised and bloody face was harsh and undeniable testimony to the success Ngannou had throughout the fight.

It was called a freak show, a circus event and the carnival fight was meant to be an easy night in the ring for Fury; at ringside, the other unbeaten heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, was waiting with a smile on his face and his contract for a fight with Fury in his pocket. He was not smiling at the end.

By Steve Bunce in Riyadh

Tyson Fury embarrassed by Francis Ngannou and the punch that changed boxing

Eddie Hearn makes bold Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua prediction after Francis Ngannou win

10:38 , Jamie Braidwood

Eddie Hearn claimed Tyson Fury’s performance against former UFC champion Francis Ngannou showed that Anthony Joshua would “knock Fury out inside six rounds” if the British heavyweight rivals were to ever meet in the ring.

Fury survived a knockdown and avoided the first loss of his professional career when he was named a split-decision winner against Ngannou in Saudi Arabia. Ngannou, was making his boxing debut yet outfought Fury for much of the bout, as a stunned audience looked on.

The 37-year-old former UFC champion was a massive underdog but produced a superb performance with immense discipline and aggression, and many figures in the world of boxing declared that the “Predator” had been denied a rightful win.

After the fight, Oleksandr Usyk entered the ring to face off with Fury, whom he is contracted to fight next. Ukrainian Usyk, unbeaten like Fury, holds the unified heavyweight boxing titles. The pair have been rumoured to clash in Riyadh on 23 December, though Fury and his promoter Frank Warren played coy after the fight with Ngannou.

But Hearn, who promotes Joshua, believes that is not the fight the boxing world wants to see after Fury’s performance against Ngannou.

Hearn makes bold Fury vs Joshua prediction after Ngannou win

Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou punch stats reveal surprise result after controversial split-decision

10:18 , Jamie Braidwood

The outcome of Tyson Fury’s split-decision victory over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou has proved controversial - but the punch stats from the heavyweight crossover fight have revealed a different story.

Fury survived a knockdown and avoided the first loss of his professional career when he was named a split-decision winner – 94-95, 96-93, 95-94.

Ngannou, was making his boxing debut yet outfought Fury for much of the bout, as a stunned audience looked on in Riyadh.

The 37-year-old former UFC champion was a massive underdog in the main event in Riyadh but produced a superb performance with immense discipline and aggression, and many figures in the world of boxing declared that the “Predator” had been denied a rightful win.

But while Ngannou scored the most memorable moments of the fight - including his stunning knockdown in the third round, clipping Fury on the top of the head with a fine left hook, stats have revealed that it was the Gypsy King who landed the most punches during the 10-round contest.

Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou punch stats reveal surprise after split-decision

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk confirm date and location for heavyweight unification fight

07:41 , Jamie Braidwood

Tyson Fury has vowed to fight Oleksandr Usyk for the chance to become the undisputed king of heavyweight boxing as the Ukrainian confirmed their meeting on 23 December in Saudi Arabia.

Usyk was ringside for Fury’s unconvincing split-decision victory over ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Riyadh on Saturday night.

MMA star Ngannou shockingly went the distance in his boxing debut, even knocking down reigning WBC heavyweight champion Fury at one point, but Fury remained undefeated. Two judges gave Fury the fight by scores of 96-93 and 95-94, and the other judge favoured Ngannou 95-94.

Fury’s championship belt was never on the line in this bout, though it counts as an official fight. Good thing for Fury, because Ngannou showed early in the scheduled 10-round fight that he wasn’t going anywhere.

Afterwards Usyk, who owns the other three global heavyweight belts, turned attention to their showdown, saying: “It’s a big fight. The whole world wants this fight. We’re back in this ring, 23 December, thank you very much, I go to sleep.”

Here’s the latest

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk confirm date for heavyweight unification fight

Tyson Fury survives knockdown to beat Francis Ngannou by controversial decision

07:25 , Jamie Braidwood

Tyson Fury survived a knockdown and went on to beat Francis Ngannou in a controversial decision on Saturday night, avoiding a major upset.

WBC heavyweight champion Fury squared off with Ngannou – a mixed martial artist and ex-UFC champion – in a professional boxing match in Saudi Arabia, with the Cameroonian stunning the Briton in Round 3 with a knockdown, clipping him on the top of the head with a fine left hook.

Ngannou, 37, was making his boxing debut yet outfought Fury, 35, for much of the bout, as a stunned audience looked on in Riyadh.

However, Fury avoided the first loss of his professional career when he was named a split-decision winner – 94-95, 96-93, 95-94.

Report by Alex Pattle

Tyson Fury survives knockdown to beat Francis Ngannou by controversial decision

Fury def. Ngannou via split decision

01:34 , Alex Pattle

Thank you very much for following our live coverage tonight! If you’re just joining overnight or on Sunday, then scroll back through these pages to re-live one of the wildest nights in combat-sports history...

Fury def. Ngannou via split decision

01:05 , Alex Pattle

Not your rule-set, Tyson.

Fury def. Ngannou via split decision

01:01 , Alex Pattle

Conor McGregor: “Lovely shot, back of the head, more off-balance. Ngannou is a powerful boy, Tyson couldn’t hurt him. Heavyweight boxing is exciting! I saw Anthony Joshua, then Fury, some great fights in the division. Add Usyk into that! And Ngannou! It’s a crazy game, I’m off to the gym.”

Fury def. Ngannou via split decision

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:50 , Alex Pattle

Chris Eubank Jr: “Watching from ringside, I thought Ngannou won the fight. It was close but he was the aggressor, landed heavier shots & scored a knockdown.

“Fury deserved to lose after having so much trouble against a man who has never boxed before… too much time filming Netflix specials, not enough time in the gym, I’m guessing. Unlucky Francis.”

Fury def. Ngannou via split decision

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:48 , Alex Pattle

I’m still trying to come to terms with what we saw tonight. Fury wins a very close boxing match with a mixed martial artist who is making his boxing debut, and who knocks Fury down.

Fury def. Ngannou via split decision

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:45 , Alex Pattle

Usyk: “We’re back in this ring, 23 December, thank you very much, I go to sleep.”

Before tonight, Fury was the one pushing for 23 December. Now, he doesn’t seem so sure. Usyk does.

Fury def. Ngannou via split decision

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:41 , Alex Pattle

Fury and Usyk are in the ring together.

Fury: “It’s been going on a long time, let’s do the fight – over here, for all the belts, the undisputed title of the world. Listen, it’s not up to me; we’d go now. These guys will sort it out, it’ll be my next fight guaranteed.”

Usyk: “Let’s go. I’m going to be fighting him, amazing. It’s a big fight, the whole world wants this fight.”

Warren: “I don’t think the date will be announced just yet. This fight is on. Both fighters want it. Tyson’s got a cut there. We’ll see how it heals.

“It’s the biggest fight in boxing. Everybody wants to see it. They’ll see it in Saudi, it’ll break all box-office records.”

Fury def. Ngannou via split decision

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:39 , Alex Pattle

Carl Frampton: “I thought Francis won that fight. I couldn’t believe what I was watching. We picked Tyson rationally, Francis coming in for his first boxing match, how could he win? In my eyes he won the fight. [Fury] struggled with his style. We thought Francis would come in and swing. He boxed beautifully.”

Fury def. Ngannou via split decision

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:38 , Alex Pattle

Ex-UFC fighter Dan Hardy, who works at the PFL, where Ngannou will fight in MMA next year: “I could count the clean shots [Fury] landed on one hand. I’m very disappointed for Francis; for me Francis won that fight.”

Fury def. Ngannou via split decision

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:37 , Alex Pattle

Fury says there is no rematch clause for either fighter.

Lennox Lewis: “I felt Tyson Fury won, he was throwing a lot of punches. Ngannou surprised me. Showing poise and patience, waiting for that perfect opportunity.

“[Fury] wasn’t 100 per cent, it was like a warm-up fight to the big fight [with Usyk].”

Fury def. Ngannou via split decision

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:34 , Alex Pattle

Ngannou: “I am feeling great, fantastic. It didn’t go my way, I might be beaten today, I might be wounded, but I can bite. We can run it back again, and I’m sure I’m gonna get better. This was my first boxing match, great experience.

“I’m not gonna give any excuse, I know I came up short, but I’m gonna come back with a little more experience of the game.

“At first I was a little nervous, now I know I can do this s***. The wolf is in the house. Tonight was to feel the water, and now I know the temperature.

“I came out from a long recovery and surgery, three months and a half. I worked hard and gave my best. I know myself. We’ll gather with my team and what we can do next to improve my game.”

Fury def. Ngannou via split decision

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:33 , Alex Pattle

Fury: “That definitely wasn’t in the script. He’s a lot better of a boxer than we thought he’d be.

“He’s a very awkward man, and he’s a good puncher, and I respect him a lot. He was very awkward, he wasn’t coming forward; he was waiting for me to throw my punches then looking to counter.

“It’s a part of boxing [the knockdown], I got caught behind the head again. I got up and it was alright; I got back to my boxing.

“I don’t know how close it was, but I got the win and that’s what it is. I’ve been out the ring a long time again. You can see it in here – ring rust, everything. No excuses, though. He’s cut me across the eye there. It was a good, rough fight. Perfect.”

Fury’s promoter Frank Warren says Fury will rest now. Fury says he’ll take a “long, hard rest”.

23 December vs Usyk not happening then? Hmm...

Fury def. Ngannou: Official scorecards

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:30 , Alex Pattle

Tyson Fury def. Francis Ngannou via split decision (94-95, 96-93, 95-94).

That will prove controversial. The fight was very close.

Fury vs Ngannou: Round 10

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:24 , Alex Pattle

Final round! Fury may need this one to avoid a defeat...

Both men are light on their feet for the first time in a while. It looks like Round 1 again.

Both men just miss with left hooks. A right cross isn’t quite there for Ngannou, as Fury backs away.

“Francis” is the chant from a section of the crowd. Ngannou is back in a southpaw stance again.

Nice, short right hand by Ngannou, who then throws a Superman punch! Aha!

And we will go to the scorecards... Wowwwwwww...

The fighters hug.

Don’t go anywhere.

Fury vs Ngannou

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:21 , Alex Pattle

Fury vs Ngannou: Round 9

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:20 , Alex Pattle

Great southpaw cross and right hook by Ngannou! He may actually be leading on points – I’m not joking.

Fury just misses with a jab, then lands a right hand and narrowly avoids a counter. Fury pops back Ngannou’s head with a jab after a slower period.

Ngannou seems to be managing his energy again. Another jab lands for Fury.

One round left.

Fury vs Ngannou: Round 8

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:16 , Alex Pattle

Three rounds to go! Ngannou is still in a southpaw stance.

Good cross for him, as he backs Fury into the corner. Now Ngannou lands to the body, before Fury overshoots on a right hand.

Great jabs and an uppercut by Fury now. Jab by Ngannou then a hard hook! Fury blocks most of it but looks concerned for a moment. He fires back, then Ngannou responds in kind!

Both men are landing! A clean cross by Ngannou! Fury’s hands drop... He looks so tired...

Solid right hook by Ngannou, and Fury holds on. Fury can’t quite time his shots at range, either.

Fury vs Ngannou

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:13 , Alex Pattle

Fury vs Ngannou: Round 7

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:12 , Alex Pattle

Fury actually landed an accidental elbow in that last round!

Ngannou has gone southpaw again; Fury mirrors him. Good cross by Ngannou. Now he targets the body.

Both men trade jabs to the body, before Ngannou lands another cross up top. Hardddd cross to the body by Ngannou, still standing southpaw.

Solid uppercut in the clinch by Ngannou, who then covers up to block a cross.

Fury with a decent hook, then he tries to clinch Ngannou but is outwrestled and falls to the mat.

Back up. Fury is back orthodox. Both men attack the body. Ngannou parries a jab, then puts a cross narrowly wide.

Fury vs Ngannou

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:09 , Alex Pattle

Fury vs Ngannou: Round 6

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:08 , Alex Pattle

Into the second half of the fight. Both men have been standing orthodox for a while now.

Another good jab by Fury. Ngannou can’t get a read on that shot at the moment. The MMA star just misses with a cross.

Fury lands a pawing left hook. Heavyyyy left hook to the body by Ngannou as he steps in. Now the Cameroonian just misses with an uppercut.

Ngannou leans on Fury on the ropes, before the referee separates the fighters. Ngannou has slowed down, but maybe he’s trying to recover energy for a second wind.

Decent cross by Ngannou late in the round.

Fury vs Ngannou: Round 5

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:04 , Alex Pattle

Ngannou is starting to miss now. He’s winding up too much and missing with wild shots.

He’s able to land a cross to the chest, though. He’s breathing with his mouth open, however, which is not a great sign.

Twice Ngannou ducks into right hooks. Fury lands a jab, Ngannou connects with a hook.

Harsh right hook by Fury in the clinch. Now an uppercut narrowly misses for the Briton.

Good one-two by Fury! Ngannou comes back with a hook but misses!

Brilliant jab by Fury again. And another. Pistons.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:01 , Alex Pattle

Frame it.

Fury vs Ngannou: Round 4

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:01 , Alex Pattle

Fury vs Ngannou: Round 4

Sunday 29 October 2023 00:00 , Alex Pattle

What now, then? Does Ngannou go for the finish, or does he hold off? I can’t believe I just wrote that...

Fury misses with a left hook. Ngannou lands a cross, then jabs to the body.

Ngannou looks so relaxed in there, he is almost dancing around.

Fury skims a left hook off Ngannou’s head, but Ngannou is unperturbed and responds quickly. A clinch ensues, with both men landing shots on the inside. They separate, and both boxers open up now.

Ngannou has just powered Fury onto the ropes. Fury lands a chopping cross. Now a one-two! Now both men land simultaneously! It feels like either could go down at any moment...

Fury misses with a sloppy right cross as he steps in.

Fury vs Ngannou: Round 3

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:56 , Alex Pattle

Ngannou laughs in Fury’s face, as the Briton sits on the canvas! WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

Fury beats the count. I am shaking. Fury survives to the end of the round, and he and Ngannou touch gloves.

Wowwwwwww........

Fury vs Ngannou: Round 3

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:55 , Alex Pattle

Fury pawed at his forehead after leaning into the left hook that cut him. Later in the round, Ngannou got good head control in the clinch and fired off a nice uppercut.

Round 3. Both men are back to standing orthodox. Lots of jittery feints from Fury. Ngannou stays calm in front of him. Stern jab by Ngannou. Fury comes back with a cross up top.

In case anyone was wondering: Yes, Ngannou can box. And you know what? He can box pretty well.

Ngannou covers up to block a cross, then DROPS TYSON FURY WITH A LEFT HOOK! OH, MY WORD!

Fury vs Ngannou: Round 2

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:52 , Alex Pattle

Strong jab to the body by Ngannou, who then bites heavily on a jab effort by Fury.

Slick jab by Fury, who then steps off to his left. Ngannou chases Fury, missing with a left hook to the body but landing on his next attempt.

Another couple of jabs by Fury, who then ducks into a left hook! Great shot by Ngannou!

Fury has been cut on the forehead! Yeah, against a martial artist?

Now both men go southpaw! Decent cross from Ngannou in that stance.

The heavyweights barrel into a clinch, but they don’t stay there long. Fury initiates another one, though.

Fury vs Ngannou: Round 1

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:48 , Alex Pattle

Both fighters stand orthodox. Everyone in the crowd is on their feet.

Fury misses with a hook. Ngannou jabs to the body but is tagged with a counter cross. Both men miss with left hooks. Ngannou tries for a right overhand but misses.

Decent, step-in jab by Ngannou, then a bit of punching in the clinch. The heavyweights separate. Fury jabs to the chest.

Both fighters land simultaneous jabs. Ngannou can’t quite time a left hook, but it’s almost on point.

The Cameroonian fires to the body again. Solid right hook to the body by Ngannou! Good right cross from Fury upstairs, though!

Ngannou with a grazing cross of his own! Fury steps in with a jab; Ngannou’s counter left hook partially lands!

A fun first round!!

Fury vs Ngannou: Main event under way

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:44 , Alex Pattle

WE’RE UNDER WAY!

Fury vs Ngannou: Ring walks

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:43 , Alex Pattle

Fury and Ngannou are in the ring. This is really happening.

Michael Buffer makes the official fighter introductions.

Ngannou stands at 6ft 4in; Fury is billed at 6ft 9in.

Fury vs Ngannou: Ring walks

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:39 , Alex Pattle

Fury vs Ngannou: Ring walks

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:35 , Alex Pattle

Fury vs Ngannou: Ring walks

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:34 , Alex Pattle

Now here comes WBC heavyweight champion Fury, unbeaten in his pro career.

He walks down a red-lit corridor, clapped along by legends of the sport including Lennox Lewis and Oscar de la Hoya.

The Briton, 35, has a pro record of 33-0-1 (24 KOs).

Fury vs Ngannou: Ring walks

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:32 , Alex Pattle

Fury vs Ngannou: Ring walks

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:32 , Alex Pattle

Ngannou emerges, wearing a crown, and takes his seat on a throne. On each side of him are five people waving Cameroonian flags.

The 37-year-old reigned as UFC champion from 2021 until this January, when he relinquished the title while leaving the mixed martial arts promotion.

Ngannou is making his pro boxing debut here, while his pro MMA record is 17-3. Twelve of his wins came via knockout – eight of those in Round 1, and three of those inside the first minute.

In the ring, Michael Buffer makes the introduction.

Fury vs Ngannou: Ring walks

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:25 , Alex Pattle

Fury vs Ngannou: Ring walks

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:25 , Alex Pattle

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Ring walks

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:23 , Alex Pattle

“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond is playing in the arena. You know what that means. The ring walks are seconds away.

Backstage, a crown has been placed on Fury’s head.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Ring walks

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:21 , Alex Pattle

Here’s our Sports Editor, Jack Rathborn, on the incident involving David Adeleye and referee John Latham earlier:

David Adeleye punches referee on Fury v Ngannou undercard

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Ring walks

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:17 , Alex Pattle

Amir Khan, who is present, on a possible fight with Manny Pacquiao, also present: “We don’t mind putting the gloves back on.

“Manny would make a great dancing partner, we both used to spar with each other.

“Look, if I get the chance to fight in Saudi again, it would be amazing. It would be huge.”

And on gifting a watch to Eminem this week: “I got a present from Mauricio [Sulaiman, WBC president] – a watch with the WBC belt.

“I was talking to Eminem, I gave it to him as a present. He was so happy! Somebody like Eminem, he can get anything he wants, but this was something he's never had.”

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Ring walks

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:08 , Alex Pattle

In the final few moments before the ring walks, why not check out Steve Bunce’s main-event preview?

Fury vs Ngannou is simple, genius and lunacy all at once

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Opening ceremony

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:04 , Alex Pattle

Okay! The ceremony is over. The ring walks are up next.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Opening ceremony

Saturday 28 October 2023 22:57 , Alex Pattle

The stage just moved backwards, and the ring is emerging from a hole in the floor.

That bit was admittedly quite cool.

The main event is edging closer, I promise.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Opening ceremony

Saturday 28 October 2023 22:56 , Alex Pattle

Singer Becky G has just finished her performance. Onto the next.

In the words of Ken Watanabe in 2014’s Godzilla, “Let them fight!”

Please.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Opening ceremony

Saturday 28 October 2023 22:49 , Alex Pattle

All the performers, dancers included, are obviously very talented. And the visuals on display are relatively impressive.

But this is nothing close to being the stunning ceremony that was advertised. Maybe it’ll reach new heights as it goes on.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Opening ceremony

Saturday 28 October 2023 22:46 , Alex Pattle

The opening ceremony is taking place as we speak. Rapper Lil Baby is performing at the moment.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Opening ceremony

Saturday 28 October 2023 22:38 , Alex Pattle

The opening ceremony has still not begun. I wonder how Ngannou is feeling backstage. He’s not warming up right now – maybe he doesn’t want to overdo it – but is standing, swaying, and talking to members of his team.

Will these be some of the longest minutes of his life, or some of the shortest?

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Opening ceremony

Saturday 28 October 2023 22:29 , Alex Pattle

This is the tedious bit. We wait for the ceremony to begin, before we can wait for the fight to begin.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Opening ceremony

Saturday 28 October 2023 22:20 , Alex Pattle

Riyadh Season will officially kick off with an opening ceremony in a few moments.

Per ESPN, it has been arranged by the same producers who look after Olympic opening ceremonies and Super Bowl half-time shows.

Then, the ring walks...

In the crowd right now are Cristiano Ronaldo, Kanye West, Conor McGregor, Eminem, The Undertaker, Oleksandr Usyk – and many more familiar faces from the worlds of sports and entertainment.

Former UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman are in Ngannou’s changing room. At one time, all three African-born fighters held UFC titles at once. In fact, they were the first three African-born champions in UFC history and remain the only ones to this day.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Main event incoming

Saturday 28 October 2023 22:14 , Alex Pattle

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Main event incoming

Saturday 28 October 2023 22:10 , Alex Pattle

Right, then. One fight left, the big one.

Next up: Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou, the ‘Battle of the Baddest’.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Kanye West in the building

Saturday 28 October 2023 22:06 , Alex Pattle

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Fabio Wardley vs David Adeleye

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:58 , Alex Pattle

What a dramatic end to that fight.

The fighters share a few words, seemingly of respect, which is nice to see.

Still unbeaten is Wardley, while Adeleye is defeated for the first time as a pro.

Wardley is all smiles, as you’d expect.

Fabio Wardley def. David Adeleye via seventh-round TKO (2:43)

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Fabio Wardley vs David Adeleye

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:53 , Alex Pattle

Round 7

Wardley with a snapping jab, but he hesitates on the follow-up right hook.

Lots of clinching ensues. And it’s there that Wardley lands a right hand and brutal left hook! He drops Adeleye hard!!

Adeleye sticks his blood-smeared tongue out at Wardley while on the canvas, then just about beats the count!

Wardley is going for the finish, pouring on heavy shots, and a right hook has him teetering! The referee steps in!

It’s all over! Adeleye shoves the referee! He gives him a bit of a punch to the ribs, too!

Wardley barks into the crowd! WOW!

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Fabio Wardley vs David Adeleye

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:49 , Alex Pattle

Round 6

Adeleye is warned for throwing to the back of Wardley’s head in the clinch.

The action resumes, and Adeleye connects with a jab. Decent counter left hook by Wardley, though.

Wardley with some good head movement to avoid a cross from Adeleye.

Adeleye with a decent left hook. Solid jabs by Wardley in response.

Adeleye sticks out a bloody tongue at his rival, but he’s blinking his left eye a lot; he seems bothered by it...

Six rounds done. Six more scheduled.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Fabio Wardley vs David Adeleye

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:45 , Alex Pattle

Round 5

There’s been an intriguing ebb and flow to this contest, but is Wardley taking command now?

He lands a double-jab and a hook. More effective jabs from Wardley, who can’t quite find a right cross to the body.

Clubbing left hook by Adeleye, who then goes for another but misses as Wardley rolls under it.

Wardley lands the right cross to the body this time, then gives Adeleye a look as if to say: ‘I know you felt that one.’

Adeleye’s head is snapped back by a jab in the last moment of the round.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Fabio Wardley vs David Adeleye

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:40 , Alex Pattle

Round 4

Wardley leads Adeleye in power punches landed (21-8), per ESPN.

The contest becomes somewhat bitty, with a fair bit of clinching from both boxers.

Wardley with a nice double-jab now, forcing Adeleye to cover up and resort to a wild left hook – which is off the mark.

Wardley stalks Adeleye and lands a solid right hook to the body.

Backstage, Ngannou is having his hands taped while listening to music in his headphones.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Fabio Wardley vs David Adeleye

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:37 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Decent jab work from Adeleye. Wardley fires back with a cross upstairs. A scrappy phase ensues, before the referee separates the fighters and warns Adeleye over an elbow...

Wardley feints hard with a right hand, but Adeleye doesn’t bite.

Adeleye catches Wardley with an uppercut and a cross, with Wardley landing a hook between those shots.

Wardley misses on his next effort, and Adeleye mocks his rival by looking out into the crowd, suggesting that’s how far off-target the punch was.

Adeleye is finding a bit of momentum now. And as I write that, Wardley lands a fierce overhand right! Adeleye did a decent job at rolling with it, though...

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Fabio Wardley vs David Adeleye

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:32 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

The boxers clinch early in this round, with Wardley landing a solid right hook at close range.

They separate, and Wardley gets back to marching forward. Adeleye with a slick jab, which Wardley walks onto.

The Britons clinch again, and this time it’s Adeleye who gets off the better shot.

Lovely right cross from Wardley, and another! He catches Adeleye on the end of the second shot.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Fabio Wardley vs David Adeleye

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:28 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Both men stand orthodox. Stern jab from Adeleye early on. He then misses with a clubbing left hook, before Wardley jabs to the body from range.

Wardley presses forward and has Adeleye circling to his own left. Wardley with a left hook to the body, before Adeleye covers up to the head.

BIG left hook upstairs by Adeleye! Wardley can’t roll with it, and it spins him to his right somewhat.

But Wardley gets after Adeleye in the final seconds of the round.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Fabio Wardley vs David Adeleye

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:20 , Alex Pattle

Here we go, Wardley and Adeleye are both in the ring! This should be fun. Lots of needle between the British heavyweights.

Adeleye is 26 years old and 12-0 (11 KOs); Wardley is 28 years old and 16-0 (15 KOs).

Wardley’s British title is on the line, as is Adeleye’s WBO European belt, AND the vacant Commonwealth gold.

Let’s go.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Conor McGregor arrives

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:04 , Alex Pattle

Conor McGregor on Ngannou’s chances: “It’s gonna be a tough ask, let’s be honest. Tyson is crafty, he’s big. Francis’s tools are in his pockets.”

McGregor also urges Ngannou not to think about the full 10 rounds, and to go for it early.

The former dual-weight UFC champion admits that he regrets not going after Floyd Mayweather more aggressively in the early rounds of their fight in 2017.

He was stopped late on that August evening, and tells ESPN tonight that he was thinking about the final rounds while throwing his first punches of the night.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Fabio Wardley vs David Adeleye

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:58 , Alex Pattle

There’s only one more fight scheduled before tonight’s main event.

British rivals Fabio Wardley and David Adeleye are set to square off at heavyweight, in a highly-anticipated grudge match.

The pair actually clashed backstage at the first press conference for Fury vs Ngannou, with Wardley suffering a cut that threatened this bout.

Now, he gets a chance to settle his feud with Adeleye.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: The Cameroonian's stunning backstory

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:51 , Alex Pattle

Ngannou’s journey started in the mountains. The 37-year-old was born in Batie, Cameroon, and grew up in poverty. His father – a local street fighter known for all the wrong reasons – and mother separated when their son was six. Having been unable to gain a proper education, Ngannou began working in a sand quarry at just 10 years old.

The draining physicality of the work would surely have made the prospect of joining one of the local gangs appealing, but Ngannou rejected all advances.

By the time he was 22, Ngannou began to train in boxing despite his family’s wishes, though his progress was halted by illness.

At 26, the man now known as the “Predator” set his sights on Paris, with numerous attempts to make the journey proving unsuccessful. When he did ultimately make it to the French capital, Ngannou was held in a Spanish prison for two months for his illegal entry into Europe.

Upon his release, Ngannou was homeless, penniless and totally alone. Boxing coach Didier Carmont offered him refuge, however, and introduced him to mixed martial arts.

Check out this piece from 2021, reflecting on Ngannou’s UFC title win:

Francis Ngannou’s title win marks UFC’s most real fairytale so far

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: ‘Gypsy King’ warming up backstage

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:44 , Alex Pattle

Fury is warming up in his locker room. Meanwhile, Ngannou has just made it to his own changing room.

A reminder that heavyweight boxing legend Mike Tyson has been training Ngannou for tonight’s main event...

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Joseph Parker vs Simon Kean

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:31 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Lots more jabbing from the two heavyweights, with Kean getting the better of these exchanges.

But Parker eventually lands a great uppercut, squeezing it through Kean’s guard, and the Canadian is rattled!!

Another uppercut moments later, and Kean is put down – and there’s no getting up!!

Parker, by KNOCKOUT!

Joseph Parker def. Simon Kean via third-round KO (2:04)

Parker collects the vacant IBF and WBO Intercontinental heavyweight titles!

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Joseph Parker vs Simon Kean

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:28 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Parker jabs low then high. He sees a right overhand partially land, then Kean shoves him away.

Sharp jab by Kean, who then catches Parker on the very end of a cross.

Parker buries a left hook into the mid-section of Kean now.

The Kiwi follows up with a few tidy jabs. Kean responds in kind.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Joseph Parker vs Simon Kean

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:24 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Lots of support for Parker in Riyadh. And we’re under way.

Both men are standing orthodox. Clean right cross and stiff left hook by Parker! Kean’s chin was jutting out there, almost inviting those shots.

Lots of head movement from the Canadian now. It doesn’t prevent Parker from landing another decent left hook, but Kean fires back with a right cross.

Both men throw left hooks simultaneously, with Kean beating Parker to the punch – literally. Now it’s Parker who is leaving his chin out.

Another good left hook from Kean, which staggers Parker slightly.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Joseph Parker vs Simon Kean

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:19 , Alex Pattle

Here we go! The vacant IBF and WBO Intercontinental heavyweight titles are up for grabs

New Zealand’s Joseph Parker (32-2, 22 KOs) takes on Canada’s Simon Kean (23-1, 22 KOs).

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Joseph Parker vs Simon Kean

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:07 , Alex Pattle

We’re still waiting for Parker and Kean.

In the meantime...

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Joseph Parker vs Simon Kean

Saturday 28 October 2023 19:54 , Alex Pattle

Next up, Joseph Parker takes on Simon Kean! More heavyweight action to whet the appetite for the main event.

New Zealand’s Parker was stopped by Joe Joyce last year – and previously lost to Anthony Joshua – but has bounced back with two wins this year.

Parker, a teammate of Fury, will hope he can get not only a victory but a quick one, so he can watch as much of the Rugby World Cup final as possible!

His nation takes on South Africa in France, with kick-off five minutes away.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Arslanbek Makhmudov vs Junior Anthony Wright

Saturday 28 October 2023 19:46 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Wright is a former cruiserweight, and he definitely looks the smaller man in there. He uses that inherently quicker movement to dart around in the early exchanges, however.

A couple of nice shots from him, from varying angles, but he’s caught with a pair of nasty hooks and goes down!!! Wow!

Wright beats the referee’s count but immediately eats a clean right hook, and he’s shaken to his core! He’s still standing, but he’s frozen, and the referee steps in!

It’s all over in Round 1! As expected, dare I say it...

Arslanbek Makhmudov def. Junior Anthony Wright via first-round TKO (1:10)

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Arslanbek Makhmudov vs Junior Anthony Wright

Saturday 28 October 2023 19:37 , Alex Pattle

Russia’s Makhmudov is 17-0 (16 KOs) at 34 years old. Eleven of his wins have come in the first round.

Meanwhile, American Wright is 20-4-1 (17 KOs) and 37 years old.

Makhmudov is the favourite here, and we may be looking at another early finish, based on his career so far...

Aaaaand we’re under way!

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Arslanbek Makhmudov vs Junior Anthony Wright

Saturday 28 October 2023 19:28 , Alex Pattle

Just like the last two fights, all the bouts from here on out are heavyweight contests.

Next up: Arslanbek Makhmudov vs Junior Anthony Wright.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Moses Itauma def. Istvan Bernath

Saturday 28 October 2023 19:23 , Alex Pattle

Itauma is actually a southpaw who is naturally right handed, which explains in part why he has such a powerful jab.

That was the shot that dropped Bernath, before Itauma got the finish with his opponent against the ropes later in Round 1.

Moses Itauma def. Istvan Bernath via first-round TKO (1:53)

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Moses Itauma vs Istvan Bernath

Saturday 28 October 2023 19:20 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Itauma with a couple of sharp jabs to the body at once. Now he adds a left hook.

Bernath wings out two counter hooks with mixed success. He’s already backed up against the ropes.

Itauma maintains the pressure, flicking jabs through his opponent’s guard. Bernath’s face is already reddened around his right eye.

OH! And Itauma puts down Bernath with a stern jab!!

Bernath beats the referee’s count but then eats a southpaw cross! Itauma gets a little overeager and misses with an uppercut, but then a right hook to the head wobbles Bernath!

Itauma follows up again, and the ref steps in! It’s all over in Round 1!

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Moses Itauma vs Istvan Bernath

Saturday 28 October 2023 19:17 , Alex Pattle

While TNT Sports’ stream continues to fail and frustrate, the undercard continues, but thankfully we have just about enough picture to provide you with live updates!

Britain’s Itauma is still just 18 years old and is one of the most exciting prospects in the heavyweight division.

His pro record is 5-0 (3 KOs). Can the southpaw improve that streak here? Let’s find out!

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: TNT Sports stream fails as viewers left with screeching sound

Saturday 28 October 2023 19:10 , Alex Pattle

Next up: Moses Itauma vs Istvan Bernath in yet another heavyweight clash.

But will fans see it? The TNT Sports stream is still down. ESPN+’s stream is working, however.

Here’s our Sports Editor, Jack Rathborn, with more on the matter:

Fury vs Ngannou stream fails as fans left with screeching sound

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: TNT Sports stream fails as viewers left with screeching sound

Saturday 28 October 2023 18:58 , Alex Pattle

Ten minutes into this fault, and I at least have hold music now, rather than that screeching sound. Hopefully it’s the same for others.

That said, better yet would be the stream actually working!

“We apologise for the break in transmission and hope to correct the fault shortly,” is what TNT Sports are showing at the moment. Nothing else.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: TNT Sports stream fails as viewers left with screeching sound

Saturday 28 October 2023 18:52 , Alex Pattle

TNT Sports’ stream has failed. All that viewers are getting is a TNT Sports logo and a piercing sound. It’s been ongoing for about five minutes.

One X user: “Right this ain’t a joke anymore lads, what the f*** is going on here, my ears are bleeding.”

Another: “Shout out to @tntsports for murdering my eardrums.”

One viewer says they have hold music, but this writer is still hearing nothing but a droning, screeching sound...

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Martin Bakole def. Carlos Takam

Saturday 28 October 2023 18:38 , Alex Pattle

Bakole, who was a sparring partner of Tyson Fury in the lead-up to both men’s fights tonight, says he had an injury in camp. That’s a big reason why the 30-year-old came in so heavy.

“You can run but you can’t hide, I’m ready for everyone – in the UK, in America,” he says. The Congolese also expresses a desire to return to Saudi Arabia for another fight.

“We love Martin,” is the chant from the crowd in Riyadh.

Again, if you want to learn more about Bakole – and his sparring sessions with Fury – read our exclusive interview with him from earlier this week:

Martin Bakole: ‘Tyson Fury is the only boxer who can give me good sparring’

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Martin Bakole vs Carlos Takam

Saturday 28 October 2023 18:30 , Alex Pattle

Round 4

Bakole gets right after Takam, who still seems a little wobbly. Harsh left hook from Bakole, and Takam’s own left hook does not faze the Congolese.

Accurate shots from Bakole, as he looks to find a finish – but without forcing one... He eats a left hook to the body but beckons Takam forward after the veteran retreats.

Bakole jabs low then high. Now he burrows a left hook into the midriff of Takam. Takam overshoots with a right overhand, which only grazes Bakole.

OH! Brutal left hook to the body by Bakole, then a short right cross as Takam teeters backwards!!

Bakole with more hard shots upstairs, and the referee steps in after Bakole lands a mean overhand right, which sends Takam wobbling onto the ropes!!

It’s all over! Takam is lucid enough to protest, but he was taking damage and was only going to take more – unnecessarily.

Bakole with a celebratory dance. He then checks on Takam, who seems to be okay... The pair then embrace after the official result is read out.

Martin Bakole def. Carlos Takam via fourth-round TKO (2:15)

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Martin Bakole vs Carlos Takam

Saturday 28 October 2023 18:26 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Bakole is opening up here, landing a series of hooks! Takam is keeping his guard high, but his legs are unsteady!

He lands a couple of counter shots, but Bakole looks untroubled so far... Left hooks land for both men! This is suddenly a bit of a firefight!

Bakole is backed up to the ropes but still throwing. He blocks a few hooks, before a couple get through – but they don’t seem to land with Takam’s full power.

Bakole smiles, as if to say he’s unperturbed by these punches. Still, Takam his on his chest. Bakole takes his turn, rotating back and forth from the hips, letting hooks go from both wings.

Bakole with a good uppercut at close range!! Now a flurry of hooks, and Takam is not fully with it!

A left hook from Bakole, now a right straight, and Takam falls onto him! He’s only standing because he’s leaning on Bakole!

Takam does well to make it to the bell!

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Martin Bakole vs Carlos Takam

Saturday 28 October 2023 18:22 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Every fight from here on out is a heavyweight bout, by the way.

Bakole still has that lead hand low, when he’s not throwing teasing jabs. Takam again jabs to the body, before edging backwards to narrowly avoid a one-two by Bakole.

Bakole parries another body jab, before landing his own jab to the head of Takam.

Bakole’s coach: “Move your feet, let your shots go, come oooon.” The Congolese is still very immobile, still waiting on Takam.

Bakole finally lets his hands go, and lands a decent left hook upstairs. Good roll from Takam to avoid a chopping right cross from Bakole.

Both men land left hooks. Takam increases his activity in the final seconds.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Martin Bakole vs Carlos Takam

Saturday 28 October 2023 18:18 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Both heavyweights stand orthodox. Lots of head movement from Takam early on, while the much heavier Bakole is content to stand relatively still and wait on the 42-year-old.

Bakole leans back to avoid an overhand right attempt by Takam, who really loaded up on that one. Now Bakole jabs at the body from range. His hands are low between shots. Again he leans back to avoid a heavy effort from Takam – a left hook this time.

Takam jabs to the body. Bakole responds in kind. Takam goes again, still moving his head constantly between his own moments of offence.

Takam again tries for a left hook, which partially lands to the chest of the Congolese.

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Martin Bakole vs Carlos Takam

Saturday 28 October 2023 18:13 , Alex Pattle

There are actually two arenas in play tonight: One for the undercard fights, and one for the main event.

That’s because a Riyadh Season event – separate from tonight’s boxing – is taking place in the main room before Fury vs Ngannou starts.

So, that arena is busy until then. We go to the second arena, where Martin Bakole and Carlos Takam are about to get going!

Here’s our exclusive interview with Bakole from earlier this week:

Martin Bakole: ‘Tyson Fury is the only boxer who can give me good sparring’

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Main card under way!

Saturday 28 October 2023 18:05 , Alex Pattle

The main card is under way in Riyadh! We’ll have live fight updates for you very shortly, as we build towards the main event...

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Martin Bakole – exclusive interview

Saturday 28 October 2023 18:00 , Alex Pattle

Martin Bakole is angry. Frankly, that may be an understatement. In Bakole’s eyes, he is the most avoided man in the heavyweight division, and the worry for Carlos Takam is that he may have to absorb that anger tonight.

Before Tyson Fury’s bewildering bout with Francis Ngannou plays out among the dunes of Saudi Arabia, Bakole and Takam will meet in a more traditional heavyweight clash on the undercard – and one that Bakole intends to mark with a breakout performance. Perhaps with that, he can make up for the ‘mistake’ that has defined his professional career in recent years.

“The only mistake I made, and even my coaches are telling me, is that they allowed me to spar these top guys,” Bakole told The Independent. “These guys know they don’t belong where they are now, because if I stand with them, I give them problems. I only show them three or four punches, because I’m coming to help them; but even in helping them, I’m giving them problems. I’m a machine in there, throwing as many punches as I can. I don’t get tired, I keep coming.”

Exclusive interview in full:

Martin Bakole: ‘Tyson Fury is the only boxer who can give me good sparring’

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Ex-pro boxer and ex-UFC star preview fight

Saturday 28 October 2023 17:55 , Alex Pattle

I spoke to former two-weight world champion boxer Carl Frampton, and Dan Hardy – an ex-UFC title challenger – about Fury vs Ngannou.

Read the article below to find out what Frampton and Hardy had to say about:

• Ngannou’s chance of winning – as a percentage

• The tactical and technical choices that Ngannou must make to knock out Fury

• Whether fans should be more understanding of fighters taking ‘money fights’

And much more!

What Francis Ngannou must do to beat Tyson Fury: ‘Uncork those big shots’

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Steve Bunce’s fight preview

Saturday 28 October 2023 17:45 , Alex Pattle

“It’s a joyous circus. Tonight in Saudi Arabia, the first trick will be the ring emerging from a 26-foot hole in the ground, and then the real magic will start,” writes Steve Bunce in his preview of tonight’s main event.

“Tyson Fury, the unbeaten heavyweight champion of the world, will then appear inside a giant neon beam and, wearing a crown, he will bow to the crowd and the dignitaries.

“In the opposite corner, as the magic continues, will be Francis Ngannou, a man who has never once fought a boxing match, and under this giant canopy of created rivalry, one of the biggest fights in history will take place. If that is not a ‘Hey, presto’ moment, then I don’t know what is!

“In front of 20,000 people, including a dozen former heavyweight world champions, and some of the wealthiest men on Earth, the best heavyweight in the boxing world will fight the best heavyweight in the MMA world to see who is the Baddest Man on the Planet. It is a genius, simple and lunatic idea.

“It is not the first and it will not be the last circus fight involving a legitimate heavyweight boxer.”

Read Steve’s preview in full, right here:

Fury vs Ngannou is simple, genius and lunacy all at once

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: Briton ‘unhappy’ with Usyk fight announcement

Saturday 28 October 2023 17:41 , Alex Pattle

Tyson Fury has admitted that he ‘wasn’t happy’ about the announcement of his fight with Oleksandr Usyk, as he prepares for his bout with Francis Ngannou tonight.

It was announced in September that Fury, who holds the WBC heavyweight title, will box Usyk, who is unified champion, in Saudi Arabia before the end of March.

Fury is targeting a date of 23 December for his bout with Usyk, but his excitement around the fight has been diluted by some aggravation at the timing of its announcement, he suggested.

“It wasn’t my choice,” the Briton, 35, said on The MMA Hour on Wednesday (25 October). “I would never in a million years do that, but the people who are putting these fights on, who are paying the money, they’re in control. They’re the promoters of the event.

“So, the paymaster does what the paymaster wants, basically. But if it was up to me, I would have never, ever, ever done that, ever. Because I never count chickens before they hatch, ever [...] They should never announce fights before the first one happens, because that’s how people get knocked out.”

More here:

Tyson Fury ‘unhappy’ with Oleksandr Usyk fight announcement

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: MMA star drops rematch hint and talks up Joshua fight

Saturday 28 October 2023 17:38 , Alex Pattle

Francis Ngannou drops hint over Tyson Fury rematch and Anthony Joshua fight

Fury vs Ngannou LIVE: ‘Gypsy King’ makes Djokovic comparison

Saturday 28 October 2023 17:35 , Alex Pattle

Tyson Fury: Francis Ngannou fight like ‘table-tennis champion’ playing Novak Djokovic

Fury vs Ngannou: Best bets and latest odds

Saturday 28 October 2023 17:32 , Alex Pattle

Check out The Independent’s best betting tips for tonight’s main event, right here:

Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou tips: Betting preview with predictions and best boxing odds

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website