Shumenov hurt Santiago with a quick combination that backed him into the ropes. Shumenov quickly took advantage landing a number of power shots that forced the referee to jump in and stop the fight 44 seconds into the round.

“This wasn’t like I expected, he specifically trained for my style.” Shumenov said. “Danny was very durable and he can take a punch. I knew he was tough, but not that tough.”

Shumenov dominated the entire bout, landing power shots to the head and body at will. Shumenov’s effective jab and straight right lead were too much for the overmatched Santiago.

This was Shumenov’s third consecutive title defense since becoming the fastest boxer to win a major title (10 fights). He improved his record to 12-1 with eight knockouts.

Santiago fell to 31-5-1, including 0-3 in title fights.

Former world champion Jean Pascal — who lost the WBC and IBO versions of the light heavyweight title to Bernard Hopkins in May — entered the ring after the bout to challenge Shumenov.

“I want to fight you in Canada,” Pascal said.

“You fight in Canada, I am from Kazakhstan,” Shumenov said. “Let’s fight in Las Vegas where all the champions fight.”