Deontay Wilder wins piece of heavyweight title over Bermane Stiverne

Deontay Wilder became the first American to win a piece of the heavyweight title in nearly a decade Saturday night, staggering Bermane Stiverne early on his way to a 12-round unanimous decision that kept him unbeaten in 33 fights. Going deep into a fight for the first time in his career, Wilder controlled the fight with a big left jab, often followed by right hands up the middle as he piled up points early on his way to the biggest win of his career: the WBC heavyweight title. The 2008 Olympic bronze medalist had never been past the fourth round in winning all 32 of his previous fights. It was the first heavyweight title fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas since Mike Tyson bit off a piece of Evander Holyfield’s ear in the infamous Bite Fight 18 years ago. – AP