WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder delivered the 40th knockout of his career in devastating fashion Saturday night, sending mandatory challenger Dominic "Trouble" Breazeale flat on his back with a trademark right hand in front of a raucous crowd at Barclays Center, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. (photo by Ryan Hafey)

Successfully defending his belt for the ninth time, Wilder joins illustrious company alongside Hall of Famers Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and more and becomes the 10th fighter in history to make nine or more consecutive successful heavyweight title defenses.

In the buildup to tonight's world championship bout, Wilder (41-0-1, 40 KOs) repeatedly promised that the fight would not last long.

The towering Tuscaloosa, Ala. native kept his word, scoring the 20th first round knockout of his career and his 15th knockdown as heavyweight world champion. Breazeale (20-2, 18 KOs) was able to withstand Wilder's first early onslaught, but could not beat referee Harvey Dock's 10-count when Wilder connected flush with the most dangerous right hand in boxing later in the opening round.

"Everything just came out of me tonight", said Wilder.

"I know it's been a big buildup, there's been a lot of animosity and a lot of words that were said and it just came out of me tonight.  That's what makes boxing so great.

"I just told Breazeale I love him and of course I want to see him go home to his family.  I know we say some things, but when you can fight a man and then you can hug him and kiss him, I wish the world was like that.  We shake hands and we live to see another day and that's what it's all about."