The result was a surprise as Stieglitz brought a 29-0 win into the ring and had knocked out Berrio in late 2005.

But after winning the first two rounds, Stieglitz was put down twice in the third before the referee stepped in.

Berrio, whose record is 26-4, is the new holder of the belt Joe Calzaghe gave up to meet Pete Manfredo in April.

The 30-year-old Berrio said: "I'm very, very happy, I fought him once before and lost.

"I just felt I would win. He is strong, but he let his defense slip a little."