Wednesday 11 November 2020 08:08, UK
Terence Crawford became the undisputed champion of the super-lightweight division after clinically stopping Julius Indongo in the third round of their battle for all the belts.
On a historic night, Crawford, who moves to 32-0, becomes the first fighter to claim all four major world titles, the WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF, since middleweight Jermain Taylor did so in 2005.
The Omaha native, 29, also enhanced his claim to being the best pound-for-pound fighter after totally outclassing Indongo at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.
Crawford, nicknamed 'Bud', started the unification bout only marginally better, landing some crisp shots as he battled with Indongo, 34, for the centre of the ring in a tentative opener.
The fight, though, sparked into life in the next as the American quickly ceased control and dropped his southpaw opponent with a sharp, chopping left hand, after several right hooks had landed cleanly.
The Namibian regained his senses and fought to reach the end of the round, but, at almost ultimate ease, 'Bud' continued to dominate as the fight entered its third stanza.
The finish came via a huge body shot that left Indongo sprawled on the canvas in agony unable to beat the count.
Speaking after the fight, a jubilant Crawford said: "This is a dream come true. Thank you Nebraska, thank you the US - I did this for all of us.
"Belts matter and I am the only world champion at 140lbs - it is a big deal to me.
"We have been practising body shots all camp and everything we worked on in camp came out today.
"Now I want to rest up and enjoy this moment. My managers and coaches will see what is next for me."
