Unbeaten Vargas stops Miura to take crown

Mexico's undefeated Francisco Vargas rose from his first career knockdown to capture the World Boxing Council super featherweight title on Saturday by dethroning Japanese champion Takashi Miura with a ninth-round stoppage.

In his first world title bout, the 30-year-old endured a fourth-round knockdown and a right eye nearly swollen shut to seize the crown when referee Tony Weeks halted the bout after 1:31 of the ninth round.

Vargas improved to 23-0 with one draw with his 20th victory in a row and 17th triumph inside the distance.