Deontay Wilder wants immediate rematch with Tyson Fury 'ASAP' after controversial split-decision draw
The undefeated American wants the chance to beat Fury again after coming close to knocking out the British heavyweight
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder on Tuesday said he was eager for a rematch with Tyson Fury after the two undefeated boxers fought to a thrilling but controversial split decision draw on Saturday in Los Angeles.
The American knocked his opponent down twice, including a brutal takedown in the 12th round, but the towering Fury controlled much of the fight, leaving some - not least the Briton himself - to claim he was robbed by the judges.
Wilder said he wanted a rematch "ASAP" to settle the question of who was the better fighter, adding he would be willing to take on the former champion as soon as March or April, although promoters suggested it would not come that soon.
"There are so many opinions, so many mixed emotions surrounding the first fight," Wilder said.
"The second fight is all about proving a point. Who won the first fight? That's enough right there to get you excited," he said.
"You thought the first one was something? Oh my God, I can't wait for the second. It might be a trilogy if it goes as good as the first."
Fury said on Saturday that he also wanted a rematch.
Wilder said the bright lights of his first pay-per-view fight and a crowd of nearly 18,000 fans caused nerves that led him to hunt for a knockout as opposed to staying with his game plan.
"I got over-anxious to knock Tyson Fury out," said the 40-0-1 Wilder, who has won 39 of his fights by KO, usually with his deadly right hand.
"The fight was easier than it seemed. He was ducking me when I was overthrowing my punches," he said.
"I've knocked guys out so many times with that very move he was doing. But me being anxious got the best of me."
Wilder said being more than 50 pounds lighter than Fury at the time of the fight and the after-effects of surgery on his right arm also contributed to his sub-par performance.
While Saturday's fight was ruled a draw, Wilder said the sport of boxing, particularly in the United States, was a winner.
"My ultimate goal was to bring the heavyweight division back here in America," said Wilder, who won a bronze medal for his country at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
"And to see that turnout, it was amazing."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments