UFC superstar Conor McGregor believes that the sizeable weight difference between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury played a major part in the Bronze Bomber’s defeat.
Fury climbed off the canvas twice in the fourth round to score a spectacular knockout victory over Wilder in the 11th round of their trilogy fight.
The 33-year-old Gypsy King also dropped Wilder in rounds three and 10 en route to making the first successful attempt of his WBC championship.
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Wilder’s second consecutive defeat has cast uncertainty surrounding his future in the sport of boxing, with Fury claiming that their trilogy marked the end of their rivalry.
The 35-year-old American star tipped the scales at a career-heaviest weight of 17st (238lb), which was half a stone heavier than his previous encounter with Fury.
Fury also packed on the additional weight and came in at 277lbs (19st 11lb), which was five pounds more than his initial victory over Wilder for the WBC championship.
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McGregor took to Twitter after the fight to praise both heavyweight stars, who are both “warriors” and “winners” in his eyes.
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However, the 33-year-old Irishman was surprised with the huge weight difference between Wilder and Fury for their showdown at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“Great fight that. Both warriors, both winners. Hard to not be impressed with Deontay there. Against the much larger man and almost got it done,” McGregor tweeted.
“Great fight. 40lb’s [sic] in weight difference is A LOT. Fair play both men there, very enjoyable fights they have had together. Respect.”
The future UFC Hall of Famer added in a separate tweet: “Their skill levels are unique but very close. A great heavyweight trilogy that was.
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“I love when it gets set for certain and both have an [honourable] showing. Not the fam in the ring fake celebrating after a freak injury etc etc [sic] you know the gig, God bless the real in this world.”
Wilder was taken to hospital after the fight and trainer Malik Scott later revealed that the Bronze Bomber broke his hand.
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The former WBC champion admitted that Fury had his number on the night and the Gypsy King came with the purpose of 'roughing him up.'
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Speaking after the fight, Wilder said: “I did my best, but it wasn’t good enough tonight. I’m not sure what happened.
“I know that in training he did certain things, and I also knew that he didn’t come in at 277 pounds to be a ballet dancer. He came to lean on me, try to rough me up and he succeeded.”
McGregor also thanked Wilder and Fury for putting on a “real proud showing” and a contest that “could have went [sic] either way.”
He tweeted: “Congrats Tyson and Paris. Me and Dee are so happy for you and the kids. Congrats Deontay and Telli also. Was great meeting you guys recently.
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“A real proud showing that was, and could have went either way. Amazing! Happy Sunday now today with the cheddar and the memory’s [sic]. God bless.”
The WBC is expected to enforce a mandatory challenge for Fury next, with Dillian Whyte a potential opponent if he manages to beat Otto Wallin on 30th October.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Conor McGregor, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, Boxing, Heavyweight Boxing
