Nishant Dev knocks out Cesar Diaz in first round, extends unbeaten run

Indian boxer Nishant Dev delivered another statement performance, stopping Cesar Diaz in the opening round to maintain his unbeaten professional record.

Fighting on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga event, the super welterweight needed just 2:56 of the first round to secure a technical knockout victory after flooring Diaz three times.

Dev took control from the opening bell, sending his opponent to the canvas twice in quick succession. The Indian then remained patient, waiting for another opening before landing a clean left uppercut late in the round that resulted in a third knockdown.

Although Diaz managed to get back to his feet, the referee ruled that he was in no position to continue and waved off the contest with just four seconds remaining in the opening round.

Indian boxer eyes historic world title

The victory improved Dev's professional record to 7-0, with five of those wins coming by knockout, further strengthening his reputation as one of India's brightest boxing prospects.

Speaking after the fight, Dev reiterated his ambition of becoming India's first professional boxing world champion.

"There's not an Indian boxer from India that's a world champion. So now, I'm going to be shutting their mouths and becoming a world champion," Dev said in his post-fight interview with DAZN.

The emphatic win continues the 24-year-old's impressive start to his professional career as he moves another step closer to challenging higher-ranked opponents in the super welterweight division.

Having represented India with distinction in the amateur circuit before turning professional, Dev has adapted quickly to the paid ranks and continues to build momentum with a string of dominant performances. His latest first-round stoppage is expected to further boost his standing as he pursues a shot at boxing's biggest titles.