While the 2023 World Series is underway, the focus for Los Angeles Dodgers players and fans is likely elsewhere after another disappointing exit, being swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Division Series.
For example, Gavin Lux appeared to spend his Saturday afternoon watching former UFC star Francis Ngannou taking on heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in his first boxing match.
Lux was projected to be the Dodgers’ starting shortstop in 2023, although his season unfortunately ended before it started after tearing his ACL during Spring Training.
Despite some talk that Lux may be able to return late in the season, that never came to fruition and he now has plenty of time to be ready for Spring Training in March.
In the meantime, Lux was tuned in to Saturday’s main event and felt that not only did Ngannou keep up with arguably the best boxer on the planet, but he actually won the fight.
Can we talk about how Francis won that fight….
— Gavin Lux (@TheRealGavinLux) October 29, 2023
This was a fight that was a long time in the making after Ngannou left the UFC and stood face to face with Fury in April 2022, teasing a potential megafight between the best two fighters in their respective sports.
While Ngannou was known for his striking ability in UFC, he still had never boxed before and was facing the heavyweight champion, leading many to believe he would have no chance. Fury was a -1400 favorite heading into the fight.
Not only did Ngannou have a chance, but Lux very well could be right in saying he won the fight. He was able to earn a knockdown of Fury in the third round and it was clear that the 34-0-1 champion did not look like himself throughout the night.
One of the judges agreed with Lux, scoring it 95-94 in favor of Ngannou after the 10-round bout went the distance. The other judges scored it 96-93 and 95-94 in favor of Fury, however, giving him the split-decision victory.
Given the politics involved in boxing, the decision didn’t come as much of a surprise as Fury already has an undisputed title fight against Oleksandr Usyk signed and planned for December 23 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A lot of the shine surrounding that fight would be lost if Fury suffered his first defeat at the hands of a UFC fighter.
Even though Ngannou wasn’t able to come away with the victory, like Lux and many others believed, he won the night as he proved that he can go toe-to-toe with the best in the business, setting him up nicely for whatever he wants to do next in boxing.
Gavin Lux mourns death of Tim Wakefield
Lux has been active on social media while out with the torn ACL, recently mourning the death of Boston Red Sox legend Tim Wakefield after he tragically passed away at the age of 57 due to cancer.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
