Undefeated Lucian Bute retained his IBF super-middleweight title with a third-round stoppage of Edison Miranda.
Unbeaten champion stops Miranda in Canada
Undefeated Lucian Bute retained his IBF super-middleweight title with a third-round stoppage of Edison Miranda.
Romanian-born Bute took control by landing a flurry against the Puerto Rican-based challenger and seconds later smashed a powerful left uppercut into his chin.
The challenger fell forward, managed to get to his feet but then stumbled back on wobbly legs, prompting referee Ernie Sharif to end the fight 80 seconds into round three in Bute's home city of Montreal.
"I hit him hard twice in that round," said Bute. "He tried to make it that he wasn't hurt. I knew he was hurt and I wanted to knock him out."
The victory, Bute's 21st inside the distance, boosts the 30-year-old to 26-0 and marks his fifth successful title defence, while Miranda drops to 33-5.
Control
"I worked hard for two months to do this," added Bute.
"We agreed we would start off tough in the ring and take control. We worked on the uppercut. We executed the plan perfectly.
"Now all I want to do is stay unbeaten and keep working."
Bute insists he is ready to take on anyone as his next opponent, including American great Bernard Hopkins.
"I've got great respect for Bernard Hopkins. He's a great champion," said Bute.
"We will sit down and talk about it. I'm ready to take on all the best. I am the best in the world."
