Fred Pendleton became the U.S. Boxing Assn....

Fred Pendleton became the U.S. Boxing Assn. lightweight champion, stopping Ras-I-Aluja Bramble on a cut over his right eye in the 10th round of a scheduled 12-round fight at Atlantic City, N.J.

Pendleton (22-15-3 with 12 knockouts) hit Bramble early in the 10th round, aggravating a cut Bramble suffered in the third. Ringside physician Frank Doggett examined Bramble’s cut and halted the fight 47 seconds into the 10th round.

Pendleton led on two of the three scorecards.

Bramble, the former World Boxing Assn. lightweight champion, is 26-3-2, with 17 knockouts.