Deontay Wilder has broken his silence after his knockout loss to Tyson Fury over the weekend, thanking the heavyweight champion for the "historical memories that will last forever".
Wilder did not, however, acknowledge Fury's comments on Monday, calling the American boxer a "sore loser" and an "idiot" for refusing to shake his hand after their trilogy fight.
Fury knocked Wilder down for the third and final time in the 11th round of an all-time classic in Las Vegas.
Wilder said that, after reflecting on the fight, and despite the loss, the lessons have amounted to a win.
"Wow, what a hell of a night," Wilder said.
"I would like to first and foremost thank God for allowing me to give the world another part of me that's driven with passion and determination.
"I would like to thank my team and my fans for sticking by my side through this long process.
"I would be lying if I said that I wasn't disappointed in the outcome but, after reflecting on my journey, I now see that what God wanted me to experience is far greater than what I expected to happen.
"I've learned that, sometimes, you have to lose to win."
Wilder said that although he didn't win, he hoped his showing in the epic fight helped answer the critics.
"Hopefully, I proved that I am a true warrior and a true King in this sport," he said. "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 will undergo surgery on his right hand after last weekend's defeat.
Co-manager Shelly Finkel said Wilder required the procedure due to a broken bone.
"He's still in pain with the hand and his equilibrium was off somewhere around the third round, that's why his balance wasn't the same," Finkel said.
Wilder has previously said he has no plans to retire.
