Unbeaten US rising star becomes world champion with stunning KO as rival laid out flat on back

Bruce ‘Shu Shu’ Carrington secured his first world title in a breakout moment with a stunning highlight-reel KO of Carlos Castro.

Carrington was looking to cement his name as one of the USA and the world’s brightest rising talents.

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It was time for him to take the leap from prospect to world level, having secured the WBC interim featherweight title in his last outing in July last year.

He was taking on experienced Castro for the vacant title, on the big stage in Madison Square Garden with the bill headlined by Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson.

But he delivered under the bright lights of the ‘Mecca of Boxing’ in the most emphatic manner imaginable.

Carrington’s sensational KO of Castro

In the ninth round, Carrington was ahead on the scorecards but was looking to make a real statement as the clock ticked down.

And that he did as he went on the search for the concluding moment, which he found as his opponent dropped his guard.

It was a thumping counter right hand which crushed into his rival’s jaw, before a swift combination including the same shot nailed Castro to the canvas.

The American-Mexican was left motionless on the canvas without moving on his back, knocked practically out cold by the booming power of the frightening talent.

Castro briefly regained his senses by the time the referee had counted to eight but it wasn’t enough and the contest was waved off.

It was a simply breathtaking stoppage victory for Carrington, who had seized his opportunity and left the crowd purring in excitement.

The 28-year-old wildly celebrated with his team before fighting back tears, having fulfilled his destiny of reaching world level.

Carrington’s reaction and next opponent called out

The Brownsville brute now has the world at his feet and has developed a fearsome reputation at 126lbs.

Both his reputation and star power have grown and he will be a fighter in demand in the coming months.

He was relieved to get over the line however, having experienced moments of brief adversity against Castro.

Carrington said: “I told you, (Castro) is a dangerous guy. He got me on a shot that kind of buzzed me.

“He was tough through and through. It was a tough fight, but I expected it to be a tough fight and to finish strong.”

“When I got caught, I just had to stay calm, get back to boxing, and get my faculties together and get into a second groove. I think the second groove is what got me this victory.”

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When asked who he wanted to face next, Carrington declared his intentions of unifying the division, calling out British star Nick Ball.

Ball currently holds the WBA title, and will be open to all options if he beats Brandon Figueroa next weekend.