Wilder weathers storm to retain his WBC title

NEW YORK - Deontay Wilder survived a pummeling from Luis Ortiz, then knocked out the challenger in the 10th round on Saturday night to retain his WBC heavyweight title.

Befitting the undefeated champion from Alabama, it was a wild affair for the final few rounds after a dull series of pawing and gesturing by Wilder gave Ortiz a solid lead. Even after Wilder knocked down Ortiz in the fifth round, the bout remained in the Cuban's favor.

Then, in the seventh, Wilder appeared out on his feet though he never hit the canvas. He stumbled to his corner when that round ended, and the end seemed near for Wilder.