Wilder scored knockdowns in the ninth and 12th rounds and was able to retain his title with the draw.
LOS ANGELES – If Deontay Wilder didn’t possess the thunder he does in his fists, he would no longer be heavyweight world champion. But he does, and he is still champion.
Despite getting out-boxed over most of the 12 rounds, often throwing punches into the air because Tyson Fury is so good defensively, Wilder was able to score knockdowns of Fury in the ninth and 12th rounds. That enabled Wilder to retain his title via a split-draw in front of 17,698 on Saturday at Staples Center.
Alejadro Rochin of Mexico scored Wilder the winner 115-111, Robert Tapper of Canada had Fury winning 114-112 and Phil Edwards of the United Kingdom had it a 113-113 draw.
This newspaper had Fury winning 114-112.
Wilder, 33, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., is 40-0-1 with 39 knockouts. Fury, 30, of England, is 27-0-1 with 19 knockouts.
Wilder’s left eye was puffy. He knew the knockdowns saved his title, even though he seemed to believe they should have given him an outright victory.
“I think with the two knockdowns, I definitely won the fight,” Wilder said. “We poured our hearts out tonight. We’re both warriors, but with those two drops, I think I won the fight.
“I came out slow. I rushed my punches. I didn’t sit still. I was too hesitant. I started overthrowing the right hand and I just couldn’t adjust.”
He did, just in time. Not that Fury agreed. In his mind, he won.
“We’re on away soil,” Fury said. “I got knocked down twice, but I still believe I won that fight. I’m being a total professional here. I went to Germany to fight (Wladimir) Klitschko and I went to America to fight Deontay Wilder. God bless America. The ‘Gypsy King’ has returned.”
Before the fight, both guys said that whoever wins would be considered the best heavyweight in the world, fellow champion Anthony Joshua notwithstanding. Afterward, Wilder said he and Fury are indeed the top dogs.
“We’re the two best in the world and we proved it tonight,” Wilder said. “When you get two warriors, you get a great fight. That’s what we proved tonight and I’m ready to do it again.”
Wilder said he would love his next fight to be a rematch with Fury.
That’s fine with Fury.
“One hundred percent, we’ll do the rematch,” he said. “We’re two great champions. Me and this man are the two best heavyweights on the planet.
