Saturday 30 July 2016 09:53, UK
Canada's Adonis Stevenson made his seventh successful WBC light heavyweight title defence by knocking out Thomas Williams in four rounds.
Stevenson took his record to 28-0-1-23KO and almost ended the southpaw slugfest in the opening round at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City.
With about 30 seconds left in the first round, Stevenson slammed a hard left into the side of Williams' head, sending the American to the canvas.
But Williams was able to get up and beat referee Michael Griffin's count.
The 38-year-old Stevenson went on the attack in the fourth, landing a barrage of body shots which took their toll on Williams. With the challenger slowed and unable to put up a proper defence, Stevenson landed a vicious left to the head that put Williams down for the count.
It was Stevenson's seventh title defence of the crown he took from American fighter Chad Dawson by knockout in June 2013.
"It was a firefight," said Stevenson. "He put pressure on me so I decided to put pressure on him too. It was a fight with two guys who could punch and it was spectacular. It was my daughter's birthday and I gave her a great gift."
