CHESTER, W.Va. -- David Tua stopped previously undefeated Fres Oquendo in the ninth round Saturday to win the North American Boxing Federation heavyweight championship.

Tua (40-3, 35 KOs) ranked the fifth-best heavyweight by the WBO, beat the champion by backing him into a corner and staggering him with a left hook. Tua then landed a series of combinations.

Referee Dave Johnson stopped the fight at 1:59 of the ninth round. Tua jumped onto the ropes in celebration while Oquendo (22-1, 13 KOs) held onto the ropes until his managers assisted him.

Oquendo led on points, and seemed to be outboxing and wearing down Tua before the finish.

"We stuck to our game plan," said Tua. "We worked to the body, and minimized the distance. It was a matter of time."

Tua, 29, kept his career alive. He had lost two of his last four fights, including one to Lennox Lewis in November 2000.

Tua was supposed to be a stepping stone for the streaking Oquendo, who was on the cusp of stardom in the heavyweight division. But rather than take soft opposition while awaiting a shot at the title, he risked his lofty ranking against the dangerous Tua and paid the price.

"I felt pretty good, he threw a hard punch," said Oquendo. "I take nothing away from him. I am young and hungry. I'll be back.

"I dropped my hands, he caught me with a good shot. He is a strong finisher. I'll be back, I'm young, fresh in the game."

A capacity crowd of 5,100 watched the bout, at Mountaineer Race Game and Gaming Resort, which was scheduled for 12 rounds.