Wilder retains heavyweight crown after Fury thriller ends in draw

Deontay Wilder retained his WBC heavyweight crown here Saturday after battling to a split decision draw against Britain's Tyson Fury in a pulsating 12-round battle.

Wilder had Fury on the canvas twice, including a spectacular final round knockdown, but was unable to get the knockout victory he had promised to deliver at the Staples Center.

The three judges were divided on the outcome, with one scoring it 115-111 for Wilder, another 114-112 for Fury and the third 113-113.

"I think with the two knockdowns I definitely won the fight," said Wilder afterwards.

"We poured our hearts out tonight. We're both warriors, but with those two drops I think I won the fight."
"Let's give the fans what they want to see. It was a great fight and let's do it again."
"That man is a fearsome puncher and I was able to avoid that. The world knows I won the fight."
"We are two great champions. Me and this man are the two best heavyweights on the planet."
- Fury goes down -
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