Horn defends boxing world title in Australia with 11th round TKO

Australian WBO welterweight boxing champion Jeff Horn successfully defended his world title against British contender Gary 'Hellraiser' Corcoran at the Brisbane Convention Center.

Although Horn get off to a good start in the first round on Wednesday and was able to control the distance, Corcoran found his range shortly after and frustrated the Aussie with relentless pressure and body shots, reports Xinhua news agency.

As the fight wore on however, the challenger was unable to sustain the high pace and Horn began do land heavy blows after the seventh round.

The highly entertainly scrap officially ending via TKO 35 seconds into round 11, after Corcoran' s cornerman threw in the towel when they noticed a large cut open up over the Brit's left eye.

Still riding high from his upset victory over Manny Pacquiao in July, it now appears the local hero will travel to Las Vegas next year, to take on undefeated American WBO and WBC light welterweight world champion Terence Crawford.

Although the Aussie would be a sizable underdog, boxing promoter Bob Arum says Horn should not be underestimated.

"Terence Crawford is one of the best fighters around," Arum said.

"As far as skill is concerned, I would favour Crawford, but as far as strength and size are concerned, you have to go with Jeff."

"Anybody that says Jeff doesn't have a chance is crazy, this is going to be a very, very competitive fight."

--IANS

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