On Sunday morning, Swedish time, WBC champion Deontay Wilder lost on a technical knockout in the seventh round against Tyson Fury.
In his first comment after the game, the 34-year-old tells the site The Athletic that he intends to use the clause that makes the boxers meet a third time in the ring.
- The return meeting will take place. That's what I want next, he says.
Blame on heavy suitWilder says a major reason for his smooth-witted effort was the nearly 20 kilos of heavy costume he wore on his way to the ring.
- People saw that I wasn't the usual Deontay in there, and that's right. My suit was too heavy and I had no strength in my legs during the match. I could not sustain my game plan, he says.
The star claims he never tested the suit before it was time to go against the ring.
- I didn't think it would be that heavy and have that effect on me. All this is my fault. Everyone saw in the first match against Fury that when I have strength in my legs I am the more aggressive, says Wilder.
Can pique the coachThe 34-year-old American, dubbed "The Bronze Bomber" for his tremendous impact strength, is also thinking of poking assistant coach Mark Breland out of his ring corner.
Breland, himself a former world champion, was the one who threw in the towel and canceled the match.
This goes against both Wilder's will and head coach Jay Deas.
- I understand his feelings, but it's not his decision to make. I have talked to my team about this for years and they know that I would rather die in the ring than for them to throw in the towel. Jay is my head coach and told him not to do it, but Mark did it anyway, says Wilder.
"The start of a big comeback"Next, Wilder goes on vacation to Africa in March. But then he hopes for a third meeting with Tyson Fury this summer.
- I'm not bitter but happy for Tyson's sake and the journey he made in his career. For me, this is the start of a big comeback.
- Now I'll get up and come back stronger. I am in good spirits, my health is fantastic and I am ready to drive.
CLIP: The crazy entrance of the stars
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CLIP: See the highlights from Fury's knockout victory
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