Deontay Wilder dispatched Dominic Breazeale with a lightning-quick first round knockout to remain the WBC heavyweight champion.
With a steamroller right hand, the Bronze Bomber sent the title challenger crashing to the canvas at the Barclays Centre just two minutes and 17 seconds into the opener.
The devastating KO extended the 33-year-old's unbeaten record to 41 wins and a draw from 42 bouts.
"There's been a lot of animosity and a lot of words that were said and it just came out of me tonight," wilder said.
"When I hit him with the right hand the first time, his body language changed."
Wilder's 20th first round knockout came after a rapid start to the bout in New York, the champion throwing an early right to set the tempo.
And just like that.... THE Heavyweight Championship is over in Round 1‼️#WilderBreazeale pic.twitter.com/xLhu4u6q90 — Brooklyn Boxing (@Brooklyn_Boxing) May 19, 2019
The energetic start exposed the Bomber to a shot by Breazeale as he came back off the ropes.
But the counterattack lasted seconds before Wilder, after a jab with the left, unleashed the decisive blow.
The right hand connected with Breazeale's jaw and the challenger crumpled on the spot, lying spread eagle as Wilder danced around the ring.
Breazeale managed to get to his feet, but dizzily stumbled backwards into the ropes as the referee made it clear the fight was over.
Wilder's next challenge could come in the form of a blockbuster showdown with Anthony Johsua or a re-match with Tyson Fury.
Wilder's last fight, a bout with Fury in December, ended in a controversial draw.
Many felt the American was fortunate to keep his unbeaten record intact following the fight.
Wilder said on Sunday: "The rematch will happen, like all these other fights will happen. The great thing is all these fights are in discussion. The big fights will happen."
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