Tuscaloosa native and World Boxing Council Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder defended his title in Brooklyn, New York knocking out Artur Szpilka of Poland in the ninth round.
While Wilder was the heavy favorite to win the bout, Szpilka was a crowd favorite with chants and singing early on.
Wilder was leading on all three scorecards 78-74, 77-75 and 78-74 after eight rounds but it was a right hand from the champion that dropped Szpilka towards the end of the ninth round.
The official called the fight almost as soon as Szpilka hit the mat, calling over doctors to check his condition. Szpilka was carried out of the ring on a gurney and in neck brace.
This was Wilder's third title defense since defeating Bermane Stiverne for the WBC title in January of last year.
During his post fight interview, Wilder was confronted by Tyson Fury, who holds the majority of the World Heavyweight titles. Fury told Wilder he would fight him "any time, any place," Wilder responded by telling the Englishman "if you step in this ring, I will baptize you," gaining an enthusiastic response from the crowd.