Richard Commey Knocks Out Ray Beltran in Round 8

After missing weight on Thursday, thus making himself ineligible for Richard Commey's International Boxing Federation lightweight title, Ray Beltran stepped into the ring in Temecula, California still prepared to make a statement. Unfortunately for "Sugar," a statement was made upon him.

Ghana's Commey (29-2, 26 KO) knocked down the Mexican-born-fighter four times throughout the fight before sealing the deal in the eighth. The first two knockdowns came in Round 1, and even though "RC" managed to hurt Commey a few times, it was the champ who prevailed, hitting Beltran (36-9-1, 22 KO) with a wicked combination that compelled the referee to wave off the fight in Round 8.

Commey was pleased with his performance and is already eyeing his next opponent. "Beltran showed why he was a champion. He's a great fighter who showed it against me tonight," Commey said. "I was happy to get the job done and defend my title for the first time. It looks like Teofimo Lopez is next, but he has a job to do first."

Other results from the card include Carlos "Caballo Bronco" Adames defeating Patrick Day via unanimous decision after 10 rounds of action. Adames, who trains under famed Mexican boxing coach Robert Garcia, retained his North American Boxing Federation and North American Boxing Organization super welterweight titles.

"Tonight was about getting work in. I listened to my coach, Robert Garcia," Adames said. "This was my second fight with him, and it was about getting good rounds, and we did that. In the 10th round, he told me he was ready to go. If I had one more minute I think I would've finished him, but in the end, I think it was a very good performance on my behalf."