Murata stops Blandamura in eight; Retains Middleweight crown

Ryota Murata made the 1st defense of the WBA Middleweight title with an 8th round stoppage over Emanuele Blandamura in Tokyo, Japan.

Murata dominated the action as he outlanded Blandamura 154-53, and in the 8th round, landed a hard right hand that sent the challenger to the canvas. Blandamura got to his feet, but the fight was waved off at 2:56.

Murata, 160 lbs of Tokyo is now 14-1 with 11 knockouts. Blandamura, 159.5 lbs of Rome, ITA is 27-3.