Fury: "God gave me victory"

Tyson Fury has said his astonishing heavyweight boxing victory at the weekend came about because of his resolute Christian faith – and because when he needed God most, his creator was there to "make his legs strong".

The British boxer fought Deontay Wilder for a third time in the early hours of Sunday morning and stopped the US fighter in the 11th round with a huge uppercut. It was the fifth time one of the boxers had been floored their absorbing contest – with WBC champion, Fury, on his knees twice during a dramatic fourth round.

After his stunning right hand had left his rival, the former champion, prostrate on the canvas, the British fighter told millions of watching viewers on either side of the Atlantic Ocean: "First of all, I would like to say thank you to my saviour, my Lord Jesus Christ. In the mighty name of Jesus, I won this fight tonight. I give Him the glory; He gives me the victory.

"He made my legs strong – I was down a couple of times – and I was hurt; Wilder's a strong puncher and he's a tough man. he hit me with some big shots and my Lord and Saviour rose me to my fight tonight [so I could] give Him the glory.

"It was a great fight, worthy of any trilogy in the sport. I am not going to make any excuses; Wilder's a top fighter. He gave me a run for my money tonight, and I always said – I am the best in the world and he's the second-best.

The two men have traded physical and verbal punches for more than two years, ever since they first faced each other in the ring. That contest, the first of three classic bouts, saw the pair fight out a controversial draw. Many pundits felt Fury had shaded the contest. During their second clash, in 2019, Fury made no mistake, dispatching his rival in the seventh round, as he claimed the world heavyweight crown.

That set scene the scene for Sunday's showdown, a fight that will now go down as one of the great heavyweight clashes of all time.

"He's got no love for me, Deontay Wilder, because you know what, I beat him three times," added an ecstatic Fury.  "I am a sportsman, and I went over to him to show some northern respect, and he didn't want to give it back. That's his problem. I will pray for him and I hope God will soften his heart."

To watch the post-fight interview, click here.