Tyson Fury has battled through a deep cut above his eye to retain his lineal heavyweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Otto Wallin in Las Vegas.
The loss was the first of Wallin's career and took Fury's record to 29-0 with one draw.
The judges scored the fight 116-112, 117-111 and 118-110 in favour of the Gypsy King.
Wallin split Fury open with a left hook in the third round which saw blood pour from the cut all fight. It was examined by the doctor in round six, causing Fury to pick up the pace and fight with more urgency.
Fury showed the heart of a champion and embraced the slog as both fighters went toe-to-toe in the late rounds.
He forced Wallin back on many occasions as he showed his versatility switching up to southpaw.
Fury forced Wallin against the ropes in the eighth round with a big uppercut as blood continued to stream from the Englishman's eye.
The ninth and 10th rounds belonged to Fury, whose spirited comeback was appreciated by the packed-out T-Mobile Stadium crowd.
Wallin started the final round with a clean left hand that seemed to daze Fury, but it was too little too late as the 31-year-old held on for a tough victory.
He called out Deontay Wilder after the fight as they seem destined for a re-match.
Fury also credited Wallin on his tough performance.
"He was 20-0 and didn't know how to lose, but tonight I was the better man."
Newshub.
