Tyson Fury (left) throws a jab as Deontay Wilder backs off in their heavyweight fight at the weekend. Catholic boxer Tyson Fury gave thanks to God in his victory speech after being crowned the WBC heavyweight champion at the weekend.
Tyson ‘Gypsy King’ Fury defeated the previously unbeaten Deontay Wilder in their eagerly-anticipated world title rematch at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Arena on February 22.
Mr Fury, 31, was handed the WBC belt after ‘The Bronze Bomber’ Wilder, 34, threw in the towel in the seventh round.
Speaking in an interview after the match, Mr Fury spoke of his Faith in God: “First and foremost I want to say thank you to my Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ.
“Those who bring evil against me will not prosper, those who stand in the dark can never come into the light.”
He added: “All praise be to the one and only true God, Jesus Christ.”
The British boxer, who has now won 30 of his 31 professional fights, credited his opponent for showing “the heart of a champion”.
American boxer Wilder, who had won 41 of his previous 43 fights by knockout, was named by Pope Francis as the Boxers’ Representative and Ambassador for Peace through Sport in January.
A humbled Mr Wilder met and spoke with the Holy Father during a visit to Rome in December 2019.
“What an honour it was to meet the Pope,” wrote Mr Wilder on his Twitter page. “He’s truly a remarkable man that represents true love, happiness and world peace for all the human race.”