Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder draw in spectacular heavyweight title clash in Los Angeles

Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury fought to an incredible draw in their heavyweight title bout in Los Angeles on Saturday night, despite many observers believing the Briton had outboxed the WBC champion.

Wilder retained his strap after the split decision draw at Staples Centre.

The hard-hitting Wilder had Fury down in the ninth and final rounds of the match but the Briton controlled much of the fight behind his long jab, precise footwork and stout defence.

The judges scored the bout 115-111 to Wilder, 114-112 to Fury and 113-113.

Wilder thought he had done enough to win the fight.

“With the two knockdowns I definitely won the fight,” said the American. “I don’t think he had control. I wasn’t hurt. I did not sit still, I was too hesitant, I started overthrowing the right hand. I was forcing my punches too much.

Former world champion Fury had looked finished when Wilder put him flat on his back with two minutes left in the fight, but he rose spectacularly and made it to the bell.

Twitter reacts to Tyson Fury being ‘robbed’ by Deontay Wilder in LA

Neither man was overly upset by the verdict after a compelling bout in front of a frenzied Hollywood crowd.