Cruiserweight Steve Herelius (20-1-1, 11 KOs) scored an eleventh round TKO over comebacking former champion Firat Arslan (29-5-1, 18 KOs) to claim the vacant interim version of the WBA world title on Saturday night at the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart, Germany.

The lanky Herelius scored from long range with his southpaw jab, but as the bout progressed and he slowed down, Arslan’s pressure paid dividends. Arslan staggered Herelius in round seven and was one punch away from ending it as Herelius wobbled around the ring. Herelius was later deducted a point for a headbutt in round ten by referee Stanley Christodoulou. Arslan appeared to be on the way to a sure win, however after a Herelius uppercut in the eleventh, he suddenly seemed completely exhausted and barely made it back to his stool. The bout was then stopped by trainer Michael Timm between rounds. Arslan was immediately rushed to the hospital.