You know the iconic Jay-Z line on Kanye West’s "So Appalled"?; "Moral victories is for minor league coaches." We’re in total agreement with that. When Jay-Z said that, he was emphasising the idea that in the competitive world, settling for moral victories or feeling satisfied with just doing your best isn’t enough. In sports, minor league coaches might be satisfied with moral victories, meaning they are content with their team playing well even if they don’t win.

However, Jay-Z is suggesting that in life, especially in the pursuit of success and excellence, settling for anything less than actual victory or achieving your goals is like being at a lower level or accepting mediocrity.

However, on this one occasion, we firmly believe that Francis Ngannou’s moral victory following his defeat to Tyson Fury is something that should be embraced.

A year ago, the name "Francis Ngannou" wasn’t taken seriously in the boxing world. Despite being a renowned UFC fighter with 8 wins of his 13 fights ending in the first round before the 2-minute mark, earning him the nickname "The Predator," the Cameroonian’s reputation was confined to the Octagon.

Stepping into the boxing ring meant adhering to a unique set of rules, an arena he had never ventured into before.

However, in October, betking Ngannou stunned the boxing community when, in his debut against WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury in the highly anticipated bout dubbed the "Battle of the Baddest", he knocked down The Gypsy King in the 3rd round, pushing the fight to the scorecards.

Despite Fury having more Total Punches (71 to 59), Ngannou’s dominance in Power Punches with a 37 to 32 advantage couldn’t be ignored. Although Fury secured a controversial Split Decision victory (95–94, 96–93, 94–95), Ngannou’s performance solidified his presence in the sport. No longer viewed as a mere "money grabber," he had earned widespread respect. WBC ranked him #10 shortly after the fight.