Shawn Porter has successfully defended his IBF welterweight title with a fourth-round stoppage of Paulie Malignaggi.
The unbeaten American caused a surprise in December when he captured the world title off Devon Alexander, but the 26-year-old proved that the victory was no fluke by quickly dismantling Malignaggi in Washington.
The opening round was even, but at the start of the second, Porter took control with a series of hard-hitting punches that left Malignaggi struggling to make the bell.
The third was a repeat of the previous round, and in the following stanza, Porter dropped Malignaggi with a right hand, and although the Brooklyn fighter beat the count, he was soon on the canvas for a second, and final, time after being battered into submission by the champion.
Porter will now face British welterweight Kell Brook in a bout which is likely to take place in the United States in July.
Darren Plant
