Tom Aspinall in awe of Francis Ngannou’s performance vs. Tyson Fury after thinking he’d ‘get smashed’

While training with Tyson Fury, Tom Aspinall confesses that he initially believed Francis Ngannou had defeated him.

Ngannou left fans in awe when he secured a split decision victory against WBC champion Fury in their highly-anticipated crossover boxing match in Saudi Arabia last weekend. The former UFC heavyweight champion even managed to deliver a decisive blow by knocking Fury down in Round 3.

Although Aspinall is more well-versed in judging for MMA, he believed Ngannou had done enough to emerge victorious.

“It’s difficult to say because my knowledge of boxing judging isn’t as extensive as my knowledge of MMA judging, but personally, I thought Ngannou won,” Aspinall shared with TalkSport. “However, I could be mistaken as I’m not well-versed in judging boxing matches.”

Contrary to popular expectations and odds, Aspinall anticipated an effortless victory for Fury.

“It was shocking, absolutely shocking,” Aspinall expressed. “As someone who has been around Tyson Fury for a considerable amount of time, I was taken aback. I’m still in disbelief. I watched some highlights this morning. You have to give Francis Ngannou utmost respect for what he has achieved.

“He truly believes in himself, and his story is truly inspiring. Consider where he came from, leaving the UFC for the money. Let’s be honest, everyone thought he would lose, including myself. I believed he would be overpowered. But he did an incredible job. All credit to him.”

For more information on this matchup, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Fury vs. Ngannou.

Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie