Tyson Fury felt he did enough to dethrone Deontay Wilder after their heavyweight clash ended in a split-decision draw.
American Wilder recorded two knockdowns as he retained his WBC title at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, as well as remaining unbeaten in his professional career.
Fury climbed off the canvas in both the ninth and 12th rounds of a gripping contest but, even with the two knockdowns, still believed he would get the nod from the judges.
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However, while Robert Tapper scored the bout 114-112 in his favour, Alejandro Rochin had it 115-111 for Wilder. With Phil Edwards' card reading 113-113, the challenger came up just short in his bid to become a two-time world champion.
"Listen, we are on away soil and I got knocked down twice, but I still believe I won the fight, and I believe every man in here believes I won too," Fury said in his post-fight interview with Showtime Boxing .
"But I'm showing total professionalism here. I'm a true champion, a true warrior. I went to Germany to fight [Wladimir] Klitschko and I've come to America to fight Wilder. That's what I do.
"I'm what you call a professional athlete who loves to box. I'm six foot nine and 260 pounds – I don't know anyone on the planet who can move like that. That man is a fearsome puncher, but I avoided his shots tonight.
"I'm not going to take anything from Wilder, he's a great champion and a great man. I thank him for the opportunity.
"But the world knows the truth - I thought I won the fight. I should be taking the belt home."
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Fury had fought just twice since stunning Wladimir Klitschko to claim the IBF, WBA and WBO belts back in November 2015, recording facile wins over Sefer Seferi and Francesco Pianeta earlier this year.
Having overcome mental health issues to make a return to the ring, the Briton revealed he never feared the prospect of being stopped by his big-punching rival, even when appearing to be out cold in the early stages of a thrilling final round.
"I am a fighting man. Jesus has got his power over me - I was never going to be knocked out tonight," Fury added. "I got put down by some good shots but showed good heart to get back up.
"I came here and fought my heart out – he [Wilder] is the second best heavyweight behind me.
"None of us can complain, both of us are going home to our families."
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