Imam Khataev demolished Padraig McCrory in the first round Thursday night, retaining his NABF light heavyweight title with a knockout at 1:09 at the Théâtre Capitole in Quebec City.
The Olympic bronze medalist needed little more than a minute to end the scheduled 10-round contest on the DAZN-streamed Eye of the Tiger card headlined by Osleys Iglesias against Oliver Zaren. Khataev improves to 13-1 with 12 knockouts, while McCrory drops to 20-3 with 10 KOs.
A left hand to the side of McCrory’s head put the Belfast fighter down, leaving him unable to beat the count. The broadcast commentary described the punch as affecting his equilibrium. Although McCrory’s reaction briefly suggested a body shot, the damage was attributed to the head punch.
There was no opportunity for McCrory to work his way back into the fight. Khataev’s power settled it before the challenger could establish anything, turning what was supposed to be a full night’s work into another short appearance.
The result gives Khataev his third consecutive victory since losing a split decision to David Morrell in July 2025. He had already stopped Adam Deines and Mickael Diallo during that rebuilding run.
McCrory was a substantial underdog, and the speed of the finish showed how little room he had for error against a puncher like Khataev. Coming out of a brief retirement after a June farewell victory, he found himself facing an opponent whose power was far beyond what that comeback win had prepared him for.
Khataev handled the opponent in front of him, but this was too brief to reveal much about his development since the Morrell defeat. His punching power was already established. The next useful test would be someone who can survive those early exchanges and force him to make adjustments over several rounds.
That is the challenge for his handlers now. Another quick knockout keeps Khataev moving, but tougher opposition would give a clearer picture of how close he is to another fight against a leading light heavyweight.
What a finish 👏
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— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 9, 2026