Russia's Khabib Allakhverdiev has grabbed the vacant WBA super-lightweight title delivering Joan Guzman of the Dominican Republic the first loss in his 15-year professional career.

The Russian boxer was declared the champion in the eighth round after Guzman accidentally injured his leg, fell to the canvas, and refused to continue the fight.

The 29-year-old was pronounced the winner following the technical decision of the referees. Judges Michael Pernick and Mark Streisand had Allakhverdiev ahead, 76-75, at the time of the stoppage. Judge Nelson Vazquez was scoring the fight for Guzman, 76-75.

The so far unbeaten Allakhverdiev prevailed early in the bout, knocking down his opponent in the third round.

Guzman landed shots to the body in an attempt to neutralize the taller Allakhverdiev in the fourth.

But the Russian had another strong round in the fifth, keeping Guzman on the defensive and connecting with lefts to the head.

The win also meant Allakhverdiev retained his IBO light-welterweight title.

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