Cuello stops aging Rachman in ninth

ILIGAN CITY, Philippines—Filipino Denver Cuello remained a strong contender for a world title fight after stopping former world champion Muhammad Rachman of Indonesia in the ninth round Saturday night at the Mindanao State University Gym here.   The southpaw Cuello (22-4-5, 13 KOs) retained his WBC International minimumweight by dominating the 38-year-old Rachman with an array of accurate shots, despite a slippery ring mat caused by too much water being poured by cornermen on both fighters during breaks.   A well-timed left straight by Cuello floored Rachman in the fifth round, but the tough Indonesian stood up at the count of four looking more surprised than dazed.   Cuello maintained his pace until he caught an obviously outclassed Rachman with a solid hook to the face, prompting referee Bruce McTavish to waive off the fight at 1:03 of the ninth.   “I was just taking my time and being patient with my attacks because he hurt me in the fourth round with a clean punch,” said Cuello.   “That gave me an idea that he was really determined to win.”   It was the first time Rachman lost by stoppage in his illustrious 76-fight, 17-year career that saw him reign as world minimumweight champion.   Cuello’s manager Aljoe Jaro said he will now work on a possible title shot against WBC world champion Oleydong Sithsamerchai of Thailand.   Jaro said Cuello is also ready to move up in weight and challenge World Boxing Association (WBA) lightflyweight champion Giovanni Segura of Mexico.   Rachman, who owns a fledgling construction company in Indonesia, plans to have a farewell fight in his home country before hanging up his gloves for good.