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TAKE a bow. I take my hat off to you all, you were superb. And I just want to use my column in the Post to say a big 'Thank You' to you all – all 8,000 of you – from me and my family.
You touched my heart by turning up in such big numbers at that crazy time in the morning.
It's not what I wanted, believe me. But it had to be that time for American television, who were paying the bills.
I also want to apologise for the fight itself. It was not as dramatic or exciting as the fans have come to expect from me.
But that wasn't my fault, either. You know me, I like nothing better than slugging it out toe-to-toe.
Quite simply, I came to fight but Andre Dirrell didn't. He ran and ran and ran. He isn't a massive puncher himself and I think he was scared of my power.
I must admit that I didn't expect him to be so timid and it threw me a bit. I had to change my game-plan and adapt my style.
There were a few times that I thought I had him. I just missed him by a whisker.
Believe me, if I had connected it would have been lights out.
But, in the end, I beat a slick, defensive boxer at his own game.
Styles make fights and it was unfortunate that this one was so messy. He was almost as bad as Matthew Barney and that's saying something.
But what could I do?
Dirrell came to spoil and hold and try to steal a decision.
And it almost worked. But almost is not good enough in this game.
I was a little disappointed with my overall performance. But I'm still the champion. And, at the end of the day, that's all that counts.
And the knowledgeable Nottingham fans played their part in that.
I was aware of the noise building up while I was preparing in the dressing room. It was a fantastic atmosphere. And they then kept me focused in the ring.
I just hope we can get Mikkel Kessler over here next year because I can't see Arthur Abraham giving up home advantage.
Kessler is a proud warrior who will stand and fight and give television viewers what they want.
I can hardly wait . . .
You touched my heart by turning up in such big numbers at that crazy time in the morning.
It's not what I wanted, believe me. But it had to be that time for American television, who were paying the bills.
I also want to apologise for the fight itself. It was not as dramatic or exciting as the fans have come to expect from me.
But that wasn't my fault, either. You know me, I like nothing better than slugging it out toe-to-toe.
Quite simply, I came to fight but Andre Dirrell didn't. He ran and ran and ran. He isn't a massive puncher himself and I think he was scared of my power.
I must admit that I didn't expect him to be so timid and it threw me a bit. I had to change my game-plan and adapt my style.
There were a few times that I thought I had him. I just missed him by a whisker.
Believe me, if I had connected it would have been lights out.
But, in the end, I beat a slick, defensive boxer at his own game.
Styles make fights and it was unfortunate that this one was so messy. He was almost as bad as Matthew Barney and that's saying something.
But what could I do?
Dirrell came to spoil and hold and try to steal a decision.
And it almost worked. But almost is not good enough in this game.
I was a little disappointed with my overall performance. But I'm still the champion. And, at the end of the day, that's all that counts.
And the knowledgeable Nottingham fans played their part in that.
I was aware of the noise building up while I was preparing in the dressing room. It was a fantastic atmosphere. And they then kept me focused in the ring.
I just hope we can get Mikkel Kessler over here next year because I can't see Arthur Abraham giving up home advantage.
Kessler is a proud warrior who will stand and fight and give television viewers what they want.
I can hardly wait . . .
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