Arslanbek Makhmudov wasted little time to make an impression in his U.S. debut.

The 34-year-old heavyweight scored three knockdowns in a second-round knockout of Raphael Akpejiori. Makhmudov floored his fellow unbeaten heavyweight twice in the opening round and then for a final time to force the stoppage at 1:43 of round two in their ESPN-televised co-feature Saturday from Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio.

Makhmudov didn’t waste any time to impose his will on the 6’8” Akpejiori. The Russian heavyweight—who relocated to Montreal at age 17—was clumsy but effective with his power shots which produced two knockdowns in the opening round. An overhand right which appeared to land behind the head at first glance sent Akpejiori to the canvas with roughly one minute to go in round one.

Akpejiori—a multi-sport athlete from Nigeria who lives in Miami and is trained by former light heavyweight champion Glen Johnson—beat the count but was on unsteady legs for the remainder of the fight. Makhmudov proceeded to charge forward and closed the round with a savage left hook along the ropes to send Akpejiori to the deck right at the bell.

Makhmudoc continued on the attack until he willed the rubbery-legged Akpejiori (15-1, 14KOs) to the canvas for a third and final time. It came midway through round two and produced the end of the fight. Referee Wes Melton issued an eight count and then waved off the fight.

The win advanced Makhmudov’s record to 17-0 (16KOs) as he prevailed in his first fight in the U.S. All but two of his knockouts have come inside of three rounds.

Headlining the main show, local hero and rising heavyweight contender Jared Anderson (14-0, 14KOs) meets former IBF heavyweight titlist Charles Martin (29-3-1, 26KOs) in a scheduled ten-round contest.

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for krikya360.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox