Boxing: Deontay Wilder scores violent knockout win over Dominic Breazeale

American boxer Deontay Wilder has made a violent statement that he is the true king of the heavyweight division.

The WBC champion has viciously knocked out fellow American Dominic Breazeale inside the first round of their title fight in Brooklyn, New York.

Wilder entered the bout after the first setback of his career - a draw against Tyson Fury last year - but he made short work of Breazeale, who had lost just once in his 22 fights.

Ironically, that loss came three years ago against IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight kingpin Anthony Joshua, via a seventh-round stoppage.

And a Breazeale took the centre of the ring in the opening seconds, stalking Wilder, who threw out a few jabs to assess his distance.

But that was a false dawn for Breazeale, as Wilder landed the first big punch, just over a minute in. Breazeale stumbled back towards the corner with 'The Bronze Bomber' charging in for the early finish.

Breazeale showed plenty of heart though, firing back with two right haymakers that stopped Wilder in his tracks. 

But moments later, the fight was over.

Breazeale clinched Wilder, leading to a separation from the referee. Wilder broke, reset and landed a one-punch knockout blow that had Breazeale sprawled unconscious on the canvas.

The fighter known as 'Trouble' tried to regain his feet, as the referee counted to eight, but it was too late and the fight was stopped.

Just like that, Wilder had his 40th win in 41 fights and his ninth title defence, since claiming the belt four years ago.

What happens next for Wilder is unclear, given the murky waters that are the heavyweight division.

Deontay Wilder enters the ring against Dominic Breazeale
Deontay Wilder enters the ring against Dominic Breazeale. Photo credit: Getty
Breazeale's knees buckled under a Wilder assault
Breazeale's knees buckled under a Wilder assault. Photo credit: Getty
Breazeale is on the canvas and won't get up
Breazeale is on the canvas and won't get up. Photo credit: Getty

Fight fans would love to see a rematch with Fury or the long-awaited unification bout with Joshua. Dillian Whyte is also waiting in the wings and should he have his hand raised in a few weeks against Oscar Rivas, he will earn the mandatory spot in the WBC.

Both Fury and Joshua also have upcoming fights. 'The Gypsy King' will meet undefeated German Tom Schwarz in June, while Joshua fights Andy Ruiz Jr in two weeks' time at Madison Square Garden.

It's hard to imagine either been overly eager to face Wilder later this year and some American pundits believe Luiz Ortiz will be granted a rematch with the American, after coming up just short in a 10-round thriller in 2018.

Newshub.