Tyson Fury won his WBC with a legendary performance
Tyson Fury, the number one heavyweight in the world, reaffirmed his position in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
The T-Mobile Arena was a scene of horror for the British, with few British fans there to witness it. However, Fury v Wilder III will be remembered as one the most exciting boxing matches in history.
Fury declared, "I believe that I beat any man ever," and it is difficult to imagine who could defeat the Gypsy King following another jaw-dropping performance made famous by the WBC champion's guts and glory.
Fans are left wondering what Fury's next steps will be after he has closed the door on his trilogy ending with Wilder.
"I am going to bask on my victory"
Fury, 33, was vague about his plans at the post-fight conference. He refused to reveal who he would face next.
He said, "Before i start thinking about other people I am going to bask my victory." Frank Warren and Bob Arum, his co-promoters, were also cautious about exaggerating.
Fury has many options. Fury can fight Oleksandr Usyk in an undisputed bout or wait and see how the WBO (Super), WBA (Super) champion's rematch against Anthony Joshua goes.
A WBC challenger is also on the horizon with Dillian Whyte, a fellow Briton, taking on Otto Wallin later in the month. If a unification bout is not possible, the WBC will order Fury to fight the winner.
Fury is expected to fight next in a mandatory defense.
British fans would love for Whyte to go toe to toe with Fury. But Wallin must first. Wallin has been a victim of derailing losses in the past, including last year's defeat to Alexander Povetkin.
"Wilder was a good partner in dance, but it's over" - Fury proud to keep the crown
Fury has not fought in America for three years, but Top Rank, Fury's US promoters, will likely be open to a fight with Whyte at the UK's early next year. Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn confirmed that Whyte has a rematch clause if Wallin wins. This would complicate things even more.
Warren stated before the fight that Fury's next fight would be at home.
He said that he didn't know what the WBC would do, but that he needed some time to think things through. Whatever he wants is what we'll do.
Road to undisputed
Tyson Fury wants to end his career as the undisputed heavyweight champion
Joshua has used it as his catchphrase. However, it seems that we only know one thing for certain: if there is an undisputed fight, Fury will be the winner.
Fury's team had already suggested to Joshua that he step aside. But the British heavyweight refused. Joshua activated the "rematch clause" and while many will want Fury to have a chance at all the belts again, it is unlikely that this will happen.
Warren spoke out about Usyk v Joshua II, saying "Maybe that we can make the victor of that fight."
"Autumn maybe next year. They talk about putting the fight on sometime in March. Therefore, they will need six months to make it happen.
"It would be a great world for Anthony Joshua to not go for the rematch, so we can get right to it."
Joshua might be tempted to leave Team Fury, but if he is able to bounce back and become a three time world champion, Fury and the all-British fight will continue.
"Wilderness is done"
Although Fury kept his mouth shut about his next move he will likely be asked serious questions about Wilder's future. Fury will be devastated that he has lost to his bitter opponent twice in one round, four times in three fights and ended up on the losing team.
Wilder's power shined through, just like it did in the first fight. But Fury was up to the challenge again.
Wilder stated, "I tried my best but it wasn’t enough." Wilder said, "I don't know what happened." I do know that he did certain things in training, but I also knew that he wasn't coming in at 277 to become a ballet dancer. He tried to rough me up, and he was able to lean on my shoulders.
After such a narrow defeat, Wilder had to rebuild his faith. This confidence seemed fragile, given its foundation on bizarre excuses. Fury's knockout proved that Wilder was not in control.
Wilder had a perfect record in 40 fights, and was unstoppable until Fury arrived.
Fury stated, "I've always believed I'm the greatest in the world, and he's second best," in the ring following the fight.
Many will agree that Fury was right. Wilder proved in the third fight that he can make adjustments. It remains to be seen how Wilder, who is usually very confident, can cope with being the number 2.
Wilder ruled for five years as WBC champion, and it is unlikely that he will be able to reclaim the belt while Fury remains active. However, Wilder has plenty of fights to choose from.
It is possible for the heavyweight landscape to change quickly and Usyk's win over Joshua opened up the division. Joshua has managed to balance his three world titles. If he is unable to win them back, and a fight cannot be arranged for them, it is possible that the belts could be scattered across the division.
Wilder will turn 36 on October. Wilder has been subject to serious punishment for his back-to-back fights and suffered two knockouts. Is it wise to retire? Wilder's legacy will not be destroyed, despite Fury's taunts. Wilder came as close as anyone could have imagined getting to Fury twice. Unusual, dangerous puncher fell just short of what many consider the greatest fighters of all time.
Fury is the last to speak on Wilder's behalf.
BBC Sport interviewed him: "It was an excellent trilogy and you need to have a good partner for trilogies. He has been a great dance partner, but there is no rematch clause. It is done. Wilder is over. Deontay Wilder is done."
