Diaconu by TKO.

Fans and boxing commentators predicted a close fight between Adrian Diaconu and Rico Hoye. I tought as well that the fight would be very tight in my pre-fight thoughts posted in february.

Adrian Diaconu remains undefeated (24-0-0, 15 KO) as he hitted Rico Hoye with powerful shots during a full 2 rounds to start the fight. Hoye went down on a knee during the 2nd round then referee decided to stop the bout before a serious injury was inflicted early in the 3rd round. Hoye now sees his record go to 20-2-0, with 15 KO. This sure was a painful night for him.

I had the chance to see it as the event was televised live up here late evening and I have to back up the ref's decision to stop it right there. Diaconu was moments away from delivering a bone crushing power punch that would've been very dangerous for his outclassed opponent.

Diaconu earns a world title shot with this win. He is the first Interbox protege to clinch a world title fight since Eric Lucas himself. Adrian Diaconu now has a shot at Chad Dawson's WBC world title before mid-september.

(Picture: Canadian Press)