Belgian Ryad Merhy knocked out Hungarian Imre Szello in the seventh round at the Spiroudome Arena in Charleroi, Belgium. The 26-year-old fighter became the new World Boxing Association (WBA) Cruiserweight Interim Champion and snatched the undefeated record from veteran Szello in their fight for the vacant belt.

Merhy showed greater strength during the bout and dominated his rival in most rounds. At the end of the sixth round, he managed to send the visitor to the canvas, but the bell prevented him from finishing off the task.

However, it would not take long for him to define the actions and, in the seventh round, Merhy went on the attack and managed to knock Szello down twice to finish the fight and win the black and gold belt he had sought for so long during his career.

The fighter of Ivorian origin got a great victory in front of his audience and did so against a great rival who came out determined to surprise the public in his visit to Belgium.

Now, Merhy has a record of 29 wins, 1 loss and 24 KOs, while Szello was left with a balance of 24 wins, 1 loss and 16 KOs.