New WBO super lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez used his post-fight interview in New York to apologise to Josh Taylor.
After declaring that his intention was to "kill" the Scot because "this is what we signed for," the 25-year-old took the microphone while they were still in the ring at Madison Square Garden and declared: "I think let my emotions get the best of me. I do not want to take your life. I want you to go back to your family. I apologise as a man."
Lopez took a unanimous decision victory on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden and became a two-division champion.
After going the full 12 rounds, where he deciphered the Scotsman, Lopez acknowledged his opponent's strengths.
"Josh Taylor is a tough dude. I can see why he beat so many fighters. But you've got to counter the counterpuncher. You've got to outsmart the man and get in there. And I did that. I think I did enough," he said.
"This is what it is all about. I questioned myself for a good reason. You guys don't understand. I've always been my worst critic. And you guys got a little glimpse of it. But I've just got to ask you one thing, and one thing only. Do I still got it?"