Deontay Wilder has attributed his defeat to new World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Tyson Fury with an injured leg earlier sustained before the main event.
Fury, 31, twice dropped Wilder before stopping the American on his feet in round seven.
Wilder was battered and bullied in Las Vegas as he was dethroned of the WBC title.
And despite insisting he would make “no excuses” Wilder, 34, suggested he suffered problems in the lead up to the heavyweight rematch.
“I’m doing good. Things like this happen. The best man won on the night. My coach threw in the towel but I was ready to go out on my shield.
“I had a lot of things go on coming into this fight but it is what it is.
“My leg was already weak coming in due to other things. But I make no excuses tonight.
“I just wish my corner would have let me go out on my shield, I’m a warrior. But he [Fury] did what he did and there’s no excuses.”
Wilder – who was given just ONE round between the three judges – now has 30 days to decide whether he wants a third fight with Fury.
And Fury – who became heavyweight champion for a second time – told his rival he will rise to world glory again, just like he has.
Fury said: “A big shout out to Deontay Wilder. He came here tonight and he manned up and he really did show the heart of a champion.
But I will say, the king has returned to the top of the throne!”
“I hit him with a clean right that dropped him and he got back up. He is a warrior. He will be back. He will be champion again.
“But I will say, the king has returned to the top of the throne!
