The bronze bomber Deontay Wilder became the first American heavyweight world champion since 2006 after taking the WBC title off Bermane Stiverne on points.

Wilder, 29, dominated against his 36-year-old Canadian rival, with the three judges scoring the bout 118-109, 119-108 and 120-107 in his favour. The win was the first time Wilder had not won by knockout as he extended his unbeaten record to 33-0.

“I answered a lot of questions tonight. I already knew I could go 12 hard rounds and take a punch. I am just excited. I want to bring excitement back to the heavyweight division,” said the American, who won an Olympic bronze at the Beijing Olympics

Ukraine’s Wladimir Klitschko holds the WBA, IBF and WBO titles.

Wilder had not gone past the fourth round in any of his previous fights, but he constantly outpunched a lacklustre Stiverne in Las Vegas on Saturday.