Wilder thanks God, his fans, and rival Fury
The former heavyweight champion releases his first statement since the epic fight
After getting stopped in the 11th round by defending WBC World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in Saturday's epic trilogy fight, defeated Deontay Wilder didn't stay inside the ring for a post-fight interview because he was concussed and went straight to the hospital.
A few days then went by without a peep from the fallen "Bronze Bomber." Criticism came about when a video was released on Thursday of Wilder refusing to shake Fury's hand immediately after losing when the Brit walked over to his corner. Fury said in the post-fight interview that Wilder had no love for him because he had beaten him three times now.
But then today, October 14, the former long-reigning WBC heavyweight champ released a statement on his Instagram page which included congratulating Fury on the victory.
"Wow, what a hell of a night! I would like to first and foremost thank God for allowing me to give the world another part of me that’s driven with passion and determination.
I would like to thank my team and my fans for sticking by my side through this long process. I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t disappointed in the outcome but after reflecting on my journey, I now see that what God wanted me to experience is far greater than what I expected to happen. We didn’t get the win but a wise man once said the victories are within the lessons. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to lose to win. Although, I wanted the win I enjoyed seeing the fans win even more.
Hopefully, I proved that I am a true Warrior and a true King in this sport. Hopefully, WE proved that no matter how hard you get hit with trials and tribulations you can always pick yourself up to live and fight again for what you believe in.
Last but not least I would like to congratulate @gypsyking101 for his victory and thank you for the great historical memories that will last forever."
Fury is set to face either WBC mandatory Dillian Whyte next or the winner of the Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua rematch.
It is yet to be seen what Wilder's next move will be.
Wilder's co-manager Shelly Finkel gave his statement, "He's healing and at this point, if everything is OK, after the hand surgery he'll probably look to enter the ring mid next year, like April or May."
The Alabaman suffered a break in his right fist during the epic encounter last Saturday.
Finkel continued to say, "Deontay broke his right hand behind the third knuckle and he has to have that fixed next week.
"He has to have surgery, the knuckle is OK, it's the bone behind the knuckle that broke. He's sore but he was OK."
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