Tyson Fury, the world heavyweight champion, secured a split decision victory over mixed martial arts fighter, Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.

Fury and Ngannou went the distance, with the Cameroonian knocking the WBC heavyweight Champion down in the third round.

While one judge scored it 95-94 in favour of Ngannou, two gave it to Fury at 96-93 and 95-94.

“That definitely wasn’t in the script,” Fury told TNT Sports.

“I got caught round the back of the head [for the knockdown]. I wasn’t hurt. I got up and got back to my boxing.

“He’s a very awkward man, and he’s a good puncher and I respect him a lot,” Fury said of Ngannou, adding that it was “probably one of the toughest” fights he has had in a decade.

As the final bell rang, Fury’s face bore the marks of the battle, while Ngannou’s corner raised his arms high in anticipation of a potential boxing upset of epic proportions.

“This was my first boxing match, great experience – I’m not giving any excuse,” Ngannou said in a ringside interview.

“I know I come up short, I’m going to come back and work harder… now I know I can do this.”

Fury will now turn his attention to blockbuster bout with fellow heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBO and IBF titles.