LESS than 30 minutes after the judges denied Tyson Fury of victory against Deontay Wilder, the ‘Gypsy King’ addressed the media.
Despite being dropped twice, including an exceptionally heavy knockdown in the last round, Fury appeared to be the boss for the majority of the bout.
Before he broke into song at the post-fight press conference, singing American Pie with all his might, he had the following to say.
“How did I get up from the knockdowns ? I don’t know. I had a holy hand on me tonight. Even after the last heavy knockdown I got up and probably won the round.
“I don’t know what happened, I don’t know. But I got back up and bang, I countered him. I’m not just going to lie down because I got punched in the face, I am going to get back up and fight.
“Will I take anything away from Deontay Wilder? No. He’s a great fighter and he gave me a great fight. I enjoyed every second of it.
“I’m not going to scream robbery, I thought I won the fight.
“Two men gave their all tonight after 10 weeks of training, away from our families.
“Nobody thought I could do that after living like a rock star for three years. I showed the world what you can do when you believe in yourself.
“I was on the brink of suicide and I came back from it thanks Ben Davison and my team.”
“We should all be thankful for Fury for showing such sportsmanship,” said Davison, cutting in when Tyson was told he seemed to be ‘too happy’ with the draw.
“There was 10,000 travellers and Brits,” Fury added. “They would have smashed that place up if I’d have complained.
“If you look back to one year ago today, I was 400lbs and in terrible shape. With the right help and the right guidance, anyone can come back. I couldn’t stay down in that last round, I had to show everyone who believes in me, all the people I have inspired.
“I am going to go and enjoy Christmas, recalculate and see what’s next.
“It’s no secret that Anthony Joshua wanted no part of this fight. Deontay Wilder is the most fierce puncher in heavyweight history. No wonder he didn’t want any part of that right hand, he can’t move like me, he would have been nailed. Wilder has dynamite in his fists, no way Joshua can beat him.
“I had a great dance partner, Deontay Wilder can definitely fight.”
About the potential rematch, promoter Frank Warren said: “He won that, and he won it well. Let’s get the next one on home soil, it wouldn’t have happened there.”