Wilder refuses to embrace Fury after losing in trilogy thriller
Tyson Fury dubbed Deontay Wilder a ‘sore loser’ and an ‘idiot’ after the Bronze Bomber refused to put their bad blood to bed following their trilogy thriller in Las Vegas.
Fury won with an 11th-round knockout to make it two wins and a draw from their three fights, despite being knocked down twice in the fight’s fourth round.
After his win, Fury, 33, says he tried to approach his heavyweight rival but had an attempt at an embrace refused – and Wilder was seemingly adamant he would show absolutely ‘no respect’ for the champion.
Fury said: ‘I said “well done, mate” and he said “I don’t want to show any sportsmanship or respect.” I said “No problem.” I was very surprised. Sore loser. Idiot.’
read also:Wilder taken to hospital after being KO by Fury in trilogy fight
The American has repeatedly made excuses for his defeat in the pair’s second meeting – and claimed he won the first fight despite the decision of the judges.
‘I’m a sportsman,’ Fury added in an interview on BT Sport. ‘I went over to (Wilder to) show some love and respect and he didn’t want to show it back. So I pray for him.’
TV footage and photos from the ring showed Fury approach Wilder, who barely acknowledged the Gypsy King. The Bronze Bomber had suffered a beating in the later rounds of the fight and was later taken to hospital for checks.
The heavyweight world champion later said in his press conference: ‘How can you say I’ve cheated when you know in your own heart and your whole team knows you got beat fair and square?
‘It’s a sore loser in boxing. He’s not the first one and he won’t be the last one. But I’ve acted like a gentleman throughout my career and that’s all I can do as a man.’
Having knocked Fury down twice early on, Wilder then hung on with sheer guts despite repeated checks from the ringside doctors.
Speaking from the ring on how the fight developed, Fury said: ‘I was down a couple of times, I was hurt, Wilder is a strong puncher.
‘It was a great fight tonight. I will not make any excuses, Wilder is a top fighter, he gave me a run for my money. I always say I am the best fighter in the world and he is the second best.
‘Don’t ever doubt me. When the chips are down I can always deliver.’
While Wilder was clearly not in the mood for pleasantries, Fury signed off on the night in his typical style – singing ‘Walking in Memphis’ on the microphone.