By RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission.

Tyson Fury won a slugfest with Deontay Wilder with an 11th round knockout to retain his WBC heavyweight title in Las Vegas on Saturday.

WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury of Great Britain (L) and US challenger Deontay Wilder (R) exchange punches during a fight for the WBC/Lineal Heavyweight title at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, October 9, 2021. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP)

Photo: AFP or licensors

Fury knocked Wilder down in the third round but the American responded in the fourth, sending the Briton to the canvas twice thanks to his powerful right hand.

But Fury ultimately overwhelmed Wilder to remain undefeated.

The victory didn’t come easily, the 33-year-old Fury admitted afterwards.

“I was down a couple of times, I was hurt, Wilder is a strong puncher,” he said.

“It was a great fight tonight. I will not make any excuses, Wilder is a top fighter, he gave me a run for my money. I always say I am the best fighter in the world and he is the second best.”

With the win, Fury (31-0-1) has now taken two of the three meetings between the rivals, following on from a controversial draw in 2018 and a stunning seventh round TKO to Fury in February last year.

– Reuters