Deontay Wilder has successfully defended his WBC heavyweight title with a ninth-round stoppage of Eric Molina.
The American, who won the belt against Bermane Stiverne in January, had been expected to make short work of his opponent in his first title defence, but the 29-year-old did not have it all his own way in front of his home fans in Alabama.
After easing through the opening two rounds, Wilder was momentarily rocked by a left hook from Molina, but the pendulum swung back in the champion's favour when he downed Molina with the same shot at the end of the fourth.
Molina survived, but he was on the receiving end of more punishment in the next round when he was sent to the canvas two more times as Wilder pushed for the stoppage.
The challenger was showing huge resolve, though, and got in some solid work before the championship rounds, but Wilder finally brought an end to the contest in the ninth.
Wilder, who extends his unbeaten record to 34 fights, is now expected to face mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin before the end of the year.
