Francis Ngannou knocked down Tyson FuryCredit: Getty

The Gypsy King escaped with a controversial split-decision win but his title unification with Oleksandr Usyk was delayed from December to February 17.

But Todd DuBoef of Top Rank – who promote Fury – revealed a rematch with 37-year-old Ngannou remains possible.

DuBoef told Sky Sports: “That’s an earned ability to get the rematch. He earned that.

“His performance dictated that, ‘Woah, he has a chance. We never thought he had a chance’ and in that situation I think absolutely.

“I think Tyson is regretful. He blamed himself. He thought he had an off night.

“He said: ‘I took it lightly. It was all on me.’ Didn’t point fingers, which was good.

“Ngannou outperformed anybody’s expectation and as a result of that you have all the components to say, hey, I want to see this again and that creates and warrants a rematch.”

Fury, 35, and Usyk, 36, are set to contest for all four world titles – a first in heavyweight history.

And the rivalry could extend over two bouts with the deal believed to include a rematch clause.

DuBoef said: “I’m not a big rematch fan. I just think that it kind of takes the prize out of the prizefight.

“It [the use of rematch clauses] is a new phenomenon that’s come in the last probably decade and a half.

“So I’m not a big rematch fan but you have to understand that there are rematch clauses in fights and it’s more of the norm today.”

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk facing offCredit: Reuters