Deontay Wilder has struggled to retain his WBC heavyweight championship title by snatching a draw against Britain’s Tyson Fury on Saturday at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
The American fighter retained his belt following the controversial draw but is keen for rematch in the next year at United Kingdom.
Judge Robert Tapper handed a 114-110 card to Fury, while Alejandro Rochin scored 115-111 for Wilder. The third judge, Phil Edwardsm, for his part gave a card equal to 113-113.
“I think with the two knock downs I won the fight. We both are warriors but with those two falls I think won the fight. I rushed my punches, I didn’t sit still, I was too hesitant.” Wilder said.
“When you at each other and then you have a great fight like that you’re giving each other what you got, it’s not all about getting whooped. [Fury] said he loved me, thanked me for the opportunity, said I love you, what a great fight. The respect is mutual.
“I didn’t feel no pressure at all. I was just forcing the punches. But the rematch I guarantee I’m gona get him.” Wilder added.
Wilder thought he had made the decision with a violent left-right sequence in Fury’s face, but to the amazement of the 18,000 spectators at Staples Center and Wilder himself, the Briton, counting to nine, got up and has finished the fight without being put in difficulty.
“I hope I made you proud after three years out of the ring. There was no chance I would lose by KO tonight. I showed a lot of irritation when I got up. I showed up tonight and fought with all my heart.” Fury said.
“The world knows the truth, I thought I won the fight, and I should have gone home with that belt, but we’re on away soil so God bless his team, God bless America.” Fury added.
Tyson Fury got knocked down by Deontay Wilder in the 12th round at Staples Center. (Source:www.thesun.ie)
Fury, back in 2018 in the ring after sinking into depression and having been undermined by dependencies, dominated until then at the score.
The 30-year-old fighter has been using Wilder as he constantly pushes and discourages him with his defense and provocations, while the American, the WBC Queen’s Champion since June 2015, seemed tired from the 8th time.
They were both undefeated before this much-anticipated fight, Wilder 40-1, Fury 27-1.
