Deontay Wilder has insisted his loss to Joseph Parker will not mean the end of his professional boxing career.
The American suffered a unanimous decision loss to Parker in Saturday night's Day of Reckoning co-main event, with judges scoring scores of 120-108, 118-11 and 118-110.
And the 38-year-old appeared to hint he might retire as he spoke to DAZN Sports ringside immediately after the defeat.
But he later dismissed any suggestion that he might retire from boxing, telling fans that “we will be back” while also apologizing in a short video shared on social media for leaving them in the boxing had let down.
“We didn’t make it tonight,” he began. “I honestly don't know what happened.” My timing was wrong and I didn't let go of my hands like I was supposed to. Sometimes it happens like that, but you still experience another fight. You're having one more moment, that's all that matters. I'm still full of happiness, I'm still full of joy, still full of smiles.
Deontay Wilder suffered a unanimous decision loss to Joseph Parker on Saturday
After his defeat on Day of Reckoning, the American seemed to hint that he might give up
But later that evening, the 38-year-old put an end to retirement talk on social media
“I'm sorry if I let anyone down.” “But we'll be back, that's the good thing.”
Wilder stressed the importance of his family and added that he couldn't wait to get home, before reiterating that his career had not yet reached the end.
“I thank you so much for the love and support I have received in Riyadh and all my fans around the world,” he added. “Thank you, I appreciate you so much. This isn't the end, we'll be back.”
Wilder's comments came after he remained tight-lipped about his future following the fight, claiming: “We'll see what happens.”
“We still have a little bit left, but I managed my money great,” he told DAZN Sports after the fight.
There were rumors this week that the American had signed a two-fight deal to step into the ring next year with Anthony Joshua, who defeated Otto Wallin in the fifth round of the other co-main event.
On whether a potential fight against Anthony Joshua could have been a distraction, he added: “A little bit.” There was a lot of talk about a lot of things. We don't make excuses. We will be back definitely.
“We still have a little bit more left.” I've done a great job managing my money and investing. I am a happy fighter. I'll be back soon and if not, it was a pleasure. '
Anthony Joshua had previously left the door open for the highly anticipated fight with Wilder
However, following Wilder's loss to Parker, Eddie Hearn confirmed that Joshua would likely face Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF world heavyweight title after Wilder failed to keep his end of the bargain.
According to talkSPORTHearn confirmed Wilder's defeat had scuppered plans for the highly anticipated showdown, saying: “We signed for Wilder, he lost tonight.” Perhaps it's a blessing as AJ wants to become a three-time world heavyweight champion. For the world title it's: AJ against Hrgovic.'
But in the comments following his win, Joshua seemed to hint that the rumored two-fight deal could actually still happen.
“I wasn’t watching,” Joshua replied when asked how he reacted to Wilder’s loss. “I just focused on myself. I heard Deontay lost, so what?
'He will be back. I will take the higher ground and hope he comes back.'
Eddie Hearn confirmed Wilder's defeat had scuppered plans for a showdown with Joshua
Filip Hrgovic (pictured) made short work of his fight with Mark de Mori on the undercard
The fight was decided 118-111, 118-110 and 120-108 in Parker's favor, with Wilder now suffering the third defeat of his career.
Wilder, who now holds a record of 43-3-1, added that while he may return to the ring, he is happy with what he has accomplished in his life.
“I have found a lot of peace and happiness in my life,” he said.
“I wore that smile all week. I am blessed. I gave everything I have. “You can’t give up or give up, you have to keep going.”