Deontay Wilder highlights weight difference as key reason for brutal loss to Tyson Fury

The Alabaman entered the ring 39 pounds lighter than Fury despite tipping the scales at a career-high 238 pounds

(Getty)

Deontay Wilder insists his weight disadvantage was the key reason for his knockout loss to Tyson Fury.

The American fought at a career-high 238 pounds for the trilogy, but still conceded 39 pounds to the WBC world heavyweight champion.

And despite dropping the Briton twice in the fourth round, Fury responded superbly to outmuscle and outbox his rival before eventually forcing a stoppage in the 11th round.

“I did my best, but it wasn’t good enough tonight,” said Wilder, who has gone to University Medical Center in Nevada for tests. “I’m not sure what happened.

“I know that in training he did certain things, and I also knew that he didn’t come in at 277 pounds to be a ballet dancer.

“He came to lean on me, try to rough me up and he succeeded.”

Fury was upset at Wilder for failing to accept defeat with grace and labelled his rival “an idiot”.

“He’s an idiot,” Fury said when asked how he felt about Wilder’s reaction to the loss.

“He’s got no love for me Deontay Wilder, because I’ve beat him three times. I’m a sportsman, I went over to him to show some love and respect and he didn’t want to give it back. That’s his problem, I’ll pray for him so God will soften his heart.

Fury celebrates knocking down Wilder (AP)

“I want to thank everyone in the building tonight who came out to show support for my sport, boxing. Thank you. It was a great fight, October 9^th 2021 will go down as a great fight in history. I hope anyway.

“Like the great John Wayne said ‘I’m made of pig iron and steel baby.’ First of all I’d like to say thank you to my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, in the name of Jesus I won this fight tonight. I give him the glory he gives me the victory.

“I was down a couple of times, I was hurt. Wilder is a strong puncher and he’s a tough man. I was hitting him with some tough shots.

“It was a great fight tonight, worthy of any trilogy in the history of our sport. I’m not going to make any excuses, Wilder is a tough fighter who gave me a real run for my money tonight. I always said ‘I’m the best in the world and he’s the second best.’”