Hill Stops Lasisi in 7th to Retain WBA Title

Virgil Hill retained his World Boxing Assn. light heavyweight title for the sixth time, stopping former sparring partner Joe Lasisi of Nigeria in the seventh round Saturday at Bismarck, N.D..

Hill (25-0) proved much quicker than the power-hitting Lasisi (22-1), scoring well with left jabs and hooks to the challenger’s head and body.

In the seventh round, the champion landed two hard left hooks to the head of the charging Lasisi, staggering the challenger. Hill pounced on the opportunity, backing Lasisi against the ropes and unleashing a flurry of lefts and rights.

Referee Hubert Earle of Nova Scotia stepped in and stopped the fight at 1:56.