French contender Sofiane Khati stunned the Manchester crowd with a dramatic TKO victory over England’s Nathan Heaney, claiming the WBA Continental Europe middleweight championship in enemy territory.

Heaney started strong, controlling the early rounds with crisp combinations and well-placed right hooks that kept Khati at bay. But in the third round, the Frenchman began closing the distance, forcing his way inside against the hometown favorite.

The momentum shifted in the fourth when Khati landed a sharp left hook to Heaney’s chin, visibly rattling the Brit. By the fifth, another crushing left sent Heaney stumbling into the ropes, now sporting a deep cut over his left eye.

The seventh round brought chaos. Heaney momentarily stunned Khati with a right hand, but the Frenchman immediately turned the tide, charging forward and flooring Heaney with a relentless attack. The hometown fighter beat the count but was clearly dazed, bleeding heavily as he tried to stay in the fight. Khati smelled blood and unleashed a brutal barrage of punches, forcing referee Bob Williams to step in and wave it off.

With this victory, Khati secured his first WBA title and improved his record to 18-5 (7 KOs), while Heaney suffered his second career defeat—both by knockout.