BITTER
Deontay Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott explains why the beaten American refused to show respect to champion Tyson Fury after KO, but credits ‘great fighter’ and admits ‘the best man won’ as Mike Tyson praises him
Deontay Wilder's trainer, Malik Scott, has explained the boxer's feelings towards Tyson Fury did not change after their incredible fight.
The ‘Gypsy King’ and ‘Bronze Bomber’ produced a legendary battle for the ages as they were both floored twice before Fury won by knockout in the 11th round to complete a wonderful trilogy.
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It was Fury who made the first breakthrough as he put Wilder down in round three.
However, the American quickly recovered and floored the Brit twice in the fourth.
Fury eventually regained control and punished Wilder consistently through to round ten, where he made another breakthrough and put him down for a second time.
Astonishingly, Wilder made it back to his feet again, but was KOd with a right hook in the eleventh as Fury successfully defended his WBC heavyweight title.
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Prior to the bout, there was a great deal of bitterness between them as Wilder believed Fury cheated in their last meeting.
Despite this, the 'Gypsy King' approached him to show respect after the KO.
He later told BT Sport: “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.”
Wilder's trainer Scott told in response: "Deontay, obviously, he looks at Fury as a man he had serious issues with concerning certain allegations and certain things he'd seen with his own eyes.
"Tonight, after they released all that energy, he still felt the way he felt."
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Despite Wilder's reaction, Scott himself gave Fury plenty of credit.
"I always said in this whole build-up - I never s***ed on his skills or the kind of fighter he was," Scott insisted.
"I've always said he's not 'good,' he's very, very good and damn near 'great'.
"Well, after tonight I'm gonna consider him a 'great' fighter.
"Much respect to him, much respect to SugarHill...
"After the last knockdown, the referee waved it off, I had no problem with it.
"Deontay fought his heart out. He was great, Fury was greater tonight.
"The best man won. The heavyweight division is on fire."
Scott's coaching has won praise from former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, who said he 'won the night with great coaching'.
"When you are an amateur you have a coach, they nurture you, guide you and are with you every step of the way," he wrote on Twitter. "Once you turn pro you get a trainer.
"A trainer is in your life as long as the checks are coming.
"A coach is with you for the rest of your life. A coach feels every punch you take and give too."
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Canelo Alvarez, boxing's pound-for-pound king, meanwhile, loved the fight but identified where Wilder lost.
“I think Wilder needs more condition, more moves. He doesn't know how to move the head.
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“It is difficult when you don't have that condition and you don't know how to move.
“That is why Tyson Fury beat him. Tyson Fury is a great fighter.”
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