Hernandez claims cruiserweight title

Yoan Pablo Hernandez knocked out Steve Herelius to claim the interim WBA cruiserweight title on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Cuban twice sent Herelius to the canvas and the referee stopped the fight at 1 minute, 19 seconds in the seventh round.

Hernandez, based in Germany for the last six years, improved his record to 24-1 (13 KOs), while Herelius of France dropped to 21-2 (12 KOs).

“I’m world champion,” said an emotional Hernandez. “It was difficult. I’ve had to work for a long time to reach it.”