![Deontay Wilder congratulates Tyson Fury as heavyweights address post-fight spat](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/boxing/2021/10/15/TELEMMGLPICT000274068673_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqIGBrXjEx6ttpR7vQUDUeibeHsZFrEmHQDi0eQN40zhg.jpeg?imwidth=680)
Deontay Wilder finally congratulates Tyson Fury as heavyweights address post-fight row
Six days after their epic trilogy bout, Wilder has broken his silence on social media to praise Fury
![Deontay Wilder congratulates Tyson Fury as heavyweights address post-fight spat](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/boxing/2021/10/15/TELEMMGLPICT000274068673_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqIGBrXjEx6ttpR7vQUDUeibeHsZFrEmHQDi0eQN40zhg.jpeg?imwidth=680)
Deontay Wilder has finally paid tribute to Tyson Fury after losing their world heavyweight title showdown in Las Vegas.
Fury came through a bruising third contest between the pair, eventually delivering an 11th-round knockout of the American to end a bout in which each man was sent to the canvas.
Following the defeat, Wilder had initially refused to acknowledge his rival’s triumph, saying he had no respect for the British heavyweight, with plenty of bad blood between the rival camps over their trilogy.
Wilder, however, has now accepted the outcome, and pledged to return to the ring a stronger person.
“Wow, what a hell of a night!” Wilder wrote on social media. “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.
“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 Tyson Fury for his victory and thank you for the great historical memories that will last forever.”
Following the victory, Fury said he had left no doubt that he is the best heavyweight of the era, his record now standing at 31-0-1, with 22 knockouts.
Video footage of Fury attempting to shake Wilder’s hand emerged on Thursday that showed the latter responding by saying “No love” and “I don’t respect you” as he was treated on his stool, following the brutal knockout.
Fury was critical of Wilder for his post-fight snub, telling BT Sport after the fight: “I said, ‘Well done, mate,’ and he said ‘I don’t want to show any sportsmanship or respect’. I said ‘No problem.’ Very surprised. Sore loser. Idiot.”
But after seeing the American’s about-turn on Twitter, he responded with a handshake emoji and added: “The greatest trilogy of all time”.