Jai Opetaia successfully defended his IBF cruiserweight title with a dominant knockout win against Claudio Squeo.
The Australian fighter sent his opponent to the canvas early in the fifth round with a powerful right hook that reportedly fractured Squeo`s jaw.
This victory marks Opetaia`s sixth title defense and extends his undefeated professional record to 28 fights.
For the 29-year-old, it was the 22nd knockout victory of his career.
Opetaia demonstrated patience in the initial two rounds, then began landing combinations and a notable uppercut in the third.
He appeared focused as he engaged with his 34-year-old opponent starting in the second round.
As Opetaia continued to land punches, Squeo went down early in the fourth round after taking a body shot.
Ultimately, a perfectly delivered right hand proved to be the decisive blow, ending the fight.
Opetaia stated that facing Squeo was a step towards his goal of a potential unification bout against WBO and WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez.
`Next fight is Ramirez,` he said.
`He`s mentioned me, he`s told me he`ll fight me next up. So let`s get it on. I`m chasing that belt.
`I believe I`m the best boxer in the cruiserweight division and that`s all I want to prove.
`We are ready. Whenever you call we are ready. Let`s do it.`
Murray Blackwood