Deontay Wilder says he proved he is 'a true warrior and a true king' in Tyson Fury defeat

Wilder was knocked down three times in his epic third fight against Fury on Sunday morning

Deontay Wilder said he proved he is a "true warrior and a true king" and congratulated Tyson Fury after his knockout defeat by the British boxer in Saturday's trilogy fight in Las Vegas.

"I would be lying if I said that I wasn't disappointed," said Wilder.

"I've learned that sometimes you have to lose to win."

In a post on Instagram, the American added: "Hopefully, I proved that I am a true Warrior and a true King in this sport. Hopefully, WE proved that no matter how hard you get hit with trials and tribulations you can always pick yourself up to live and fight again for what you believe in."

Wilder also congratulated Fury for the first time since Saturday's fight.

He said: "Last but not least I would like to congratulate @gypsyking101 for his victory and thank you for the great historical memories that will last forever."

After a heated build-up during fight week, where both fighters viciously goaded one another, the immediate aftermath of the fight was unsavoury.

Fury, who retained his WBC world heavyweight title, said: "I thought we fought it all out there and all the allegations that they made towards me throughout the build-up of this fight, and we fought like two warriors in there.

"I went over to shake his hand and say well done and he was like 'No, I don't respect you'. How can you say I've cheated when you know in your own heart and your full team knows that you just got beat fair and square.

"He's a sore loser, I'm sure he's not the first one and he won't be the last one."

• NFL This Week: Watch all the highlights including NFL's return to London
• Oasis at Knebworth: Was this the crowning moment in Britpop history?