Memphis, TN -- (Sports Network) - Andre Berto downed Miguel Rodriguez in the seventh round to capture the WBC welterweight title on Saturday.

In the seventh, Berto knocked down Rodriguez twice before the referee stopped the bout with 47 seconds left as Berto kept pounding Rodriguez with rights.

The bout was for the belt that was vacated after former champ Floyd Mayweather Jr. retired earlier this month. Berto and Rodriguez were the top two contenders in the division.

Berto (22-0, 19 KOs) now is at the top of the WBC welterweight ranks after just four years as a professional.

Rodriguez (29-3, 23 KOs) held his own in the early rounds of the fight, but Berto connected with a right uppercut to Rodriguez's chin that sent him to the mat and a pair of rights from Berto knocked Rodriguez down later in the round.

With Berto pummeling Rodriguez, the referee stepped in and ended the fight.