Gradovich stops Dib in rematch

Russian slugger Evgeny Gradovich stopped Australian Billy Dib in their rematch prelude to the Pacquiao-Rios headliner Sunday at the sellout Cotai Arena at The Venetian in Macau, China.

Gradovich (18-0, 9 KOs) pummeled Dib (36-3, 21 KOs) on the ropes near the corner with a flurry of punches prompting the referee to waive off the fight at the 1:10 mark of the ninth round.

The 27-year-old Gradovich repeated over Dib after earning a split decision win in their first encounter last March.