Lomachenko defends WBO title, stops Walters

Vasyl Lomachenko, of Ukraine, celebrates after defeating Nicholas Walters, of Jamaica, in a WBO junior lightweight title boxing match Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016, in Las Vegas. AP

LAS VEGAS — Vasyl Lomachenko successfully defended his WBO junior lightweight title, winning when Nicholas Walters was unable to continue after seven rounds Saturday night at the Cosmopolitan.

Lomachenko, the 28-year-old Ukrainian star who won two Olympic gold medals, improved to 7-1. Walters dropped to 26-1-1.

Lomachenko had his best round of the fight in the seventh, landing multiple power shots, including a hard shot to the temple that ultimately led Walters to stop fighting.

Lomachenko began to take control in the sixth, displaying superior technical skills and controlling the ring. By the end of the seventh, Lomachenko had the fans on their feet as he looked to finish the fight, landing a number of powerful combinations.

Walters survived the flurry and appeared fine as the round ended and he headed back to his corner. However, between rounds, Walters’ corner informed the referee that he was unable to continue and the fight was stopped and ruled a TKO for Lomachenko.