Australia's fastest rising boxer Jeff Horn has claimed a fifth-round knockout victory over Brazilian No. 1 Robson Assis to retain the WBO oriental welterweight title in New Zealand on Saturday night.
Horn is ranked 11th in the world, but this performance should see him break through to the top 10.
Horn delivered a textbook display, showcasing his devastating right hook, fast combinations, relentless pressure and elusive qualities.
Although tested at times - Assis caught him with glancing blows - Horn was in total control for the most part against the gutsy 29-year-old, who suffered his first loss in 15 fights.
The Brisbane schoolteacher opened a gruesome cut above Assis' left eye in the opening round but was forced to focus his shots elsewhere to avoid a doctor's stoppage and subsequently a no-contest.
Horn knocked Assis down twice in the fourth round then finished the job with a vicious shot to the liver, who signalled to the referee that the fight was over as he dropped to one knee.
Donning a black armband, Horn later revealed that his win was dedicated to fallen Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes and his grandfather Ray, who is recovering from heart surgery in hospital.
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