James (Bonecrusher) Smith knocked out former World...

James (Bonecrusher) Smith knocked out former World Boxing Assn. heavyweight champion Mike Weaver at 2:29 of the first round in a nationally televised bout at Latham, N.Y.

Smith, 31, of Magnolia, N.C., knocked Weaver into the ropes with a furious combination before flooring him with a right hand to the head.

Referee Luis Rivera stopped the fight after Weaver, 34, wobbled while receiving a standing eight count in the corner.

Smith, ranked No. 8 by the WBA, improved to 16-5 with 13 knockouts. He lost four of his previous five fights before facing Weaver, including a 10-round decision to Marvis Frazier.

Smith weighed 240 pounds for the fight, while Weaver was at 215.

Weaver, of Diamond Bar, Calif., ranked No. 3 by the WBA, dropped to 28-12-1 and said he will consider retirement. Weaver, known as a slow starter, said he could have won if he survived the first round and did not think the fight should have been stopped.