HALESOWEN kickboxer Simon Akufo is champion of the world again.

In a devastating display of speed and power Akufo had Italian champion Cristian Tronu down three times before the referee stopped the contest 31 seconds into the second round.

Birmingham's Q-Club provided the venue for the World Kickboxing Association welterweight world title fight and both fighters attacked from the first bell.

After riding Tronu's punches Akufo penetrated with a punch to the ribs Tronu forcing the Italian to go down.

Tronu was on his backside again after a ruthless Akufo who landed with a right punch in the middle of the ring.

The Italian champion looked at his corner in desperation and received the encouragement to get back up again to mount another attack.

He landed on Akufo's chin who withstood the pressure to again produce a bone-crunching punch which saw Tronu floored for the third time.

The bell saved the Italian and Tronu came out for the second round like a man given an unexpected chance unleashing a barrage of punches and kicks on Akufo.

For 30 seconds Tronu attacked but then in a split second Akufo released a right hand that landed plum on his opponent's chin.

Tronu's knees went one way and his body the other and crashed to the canvas. There was no way back and the referee stopped the fight sparking wild celebrations in and outside the ring.

Akufo said: "He came to fight and I felt his power but we had trained for this type of fight because we knew he would be aggressive.

"But after defending his attack I put my training into practice and waited for the opening I knew would come and ended the fight perfectly."

He said: "It feels great to be a world champion again."