 Froch (L) now wants to face either Joe Calzaghe or Jeff Lacey |
Nottingham's Carl Froch retained his Commonwealth super middleweight title after stopping Dale Westerman in the ninth round in Bethnal Green. Although the 28-year-old was caught by some good punches early on, he was able to grind the Australian down to defend his title for a fifth time.
"It wasn't the best performance. I got hit with a couple of shots I shouldn't have got hit with," Froch said.
"I took him a little bit lightly - but it won't happen again."
The win at York Hall extends Froch's 100% professional record to 18 wins with 14 inside the distance.
Froch, who is aiming to challenge for a world title this year, hurt his right arm during the third round but will still be able to defend his title against Brian Magee in Belfast on 31 March.
Westerman caught Froch with two good shots in round one and two left hooks in the second.
But Froch was able to build up a commanding points lead and with Westerman bleeding badly from the mouth, referee John Keane stepped in to stop the fight after one minute 45 seconds of the ninth round.
MMIX
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