Lightweight contender Dejan Zlaticanin arrived back home to a hero's welcome.
In the opening bout of the Showtime broadcast, Zlaticanin stopped Franklin Mamami in third round to win the vacant WBC lightweight title at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York.
With the win, Zlaticanin goes to 22-0, 15 KOs. Mamami, who hails from La Paz, Bolivia, drops to 21-3-1, 12 KOs.
Zlaticanin, who became the first world champion from the country of Montenegro, was the longtime mandatory challenger to face Jorge Linares, but Linares was stripped of the WBC title in February when he was unable to defend the title because of a fractured right hand.
Zlaticanin was originally scheduled to fight Emiliano Marsili, but the fighter from Italy withdrew from the fight because of a reported fever and stomach ailments.
Within the first 30 seconds of the fight, Zlaticanin hurt Mamami with a left hand to the temple. Mamami was able to recover and fought back, but Zlaticanin was the more-effective fighter.
Zlaticanin hurt Mamami with another left hand to the temple about 30 seconds into the third round. Mamami tried to hold on, but Zlaticanin pinned the Bolivia fighter, landing a barrage of punches. Referee Charlie Fitch saved Mamami from further punishment, stepping in and stopping the bout at 54 seconds.