FLORIDA, TAMPA, USF Sun Dome - In the Premier Boxing Champions televised opener on ESPN, the veteran Willie Nelson (24-2-1. 14 KOs) scored an upset over previously unbeaten Tony Harrison (21-1, 18 KOs) with a TKO at 2:57 into the ninth round.

Harrison had been in control of the fight thanks to a strong jab and led on all three judges’ scorecards heading into the ninth round. Nelson however was able to land a series of right hands in the ninth round that staggered and eventually dropped Harrison to the canvas.

Harrison was able to get to his feet before the ten-count, but was deemed unable to continue by referee Frank Santore.

“I was confident and relaxed tonight. I wanted to take him into deep waters and that’s exactly what I did," Nelson said.

“I’m very happy the whole world got to see me tonight. This is where I belong and I’m just looking to start getting my shots and collecting titles.

“There’s really no specific person that I want next. I’ll take anyone in the 154 lbs division. The only person I won’t fight is Terrell Gausha because we’re so close.

“My coach said to dip down and throw a right hand on top. And he buckled, so I threw another right hand. It was a left uppercut that started the combination and then the right hand.

“I was really just taking my time and being patient. I know I should have not worried about it and just let my hands go. The plan was to take him into deep water, that’s pretty much why I was relaxing, but I got the job done.

“Keep watching me. I’m always the underdog and I embrace it. I took some big punches tonight from Tony (Harrison) and proved my chin.”