Tim Tszyu has recorded the biggest win of his career in his American debut, defeating Terrell Gausha via unanimous decision in Minneapolis.
The Aussie received a wake-up call in the first round when he was dropped by a slick counter right hand but it was virtually one-way traffic from that point on.
After the first, Tszyu poured on the pressure and mixed up his combinations well to hand Gausha his third loss and send a message to the super-welterweight division.
The American's counters remained a threat throughout but Tszyu's constant offence and work to the body appeared to take the sting out of Gausha's shots.
Tszyu looked to have scored a knockdown of his own in the fourth but the referee ruled it a slip.
One round later, Tszyu landed a massive right hand but Gausha somehow stayed on his feet.
Gausha looked as if he may have had enough at some points but he managed to guts it out and get to the bell.
To the surprise of some observes, one judge, Robert Hecko, had it close at 114-113, while the other cards were slightly wider at 116-111 and 115-112.
After the fight, Tszyu, who improved to 21-0, said he was pleased with the way he responded to first-round knockdown.
"All respect to my opponent, Terrell Gausha," Tszyu said.
"He's one hell of a warrior and he's just a true gentleman.
"Simple, flash knockdown, right on right. He got me with perfect timing, he's a former Olympian, he's got great credentials. That's a great lesson for myself, I got back up and I dug deep.
"I was just enjoying myself, I felt in control the whole time, I kept the pressure on, I wasn't going to back down, he kept landing shots so I was like, 'f**k it, I'm going to keep coming forward and keep fighting.'"
Gausha, whose record now sits at 23-3-1, said he pushed for the stoppage after the knockdown but gave Tszyu credit for coming back strongly.
"I felt I had him in trouble, I tried to jump on him but he's a tough f**kin' fighter," Gausha said.
"I take my hat off to him, he came prepared, I was ready for 12 hard rounds too."
The win sees Tszyu remain as the mandatory challenger to WBO champion Brian Castano who faces WBC, WBA and IBF king Jermell Charlo in a rematch in May.
Having officially announced himself on the international stage, Tszyu is eyeing off a meeting with the victor.
"I'll be watching. I'm coming for the two boys," he said.
"Whoever wants it, come get it."