DeLeon Stops Greer in Eighth Round to Retain His WBC Cruiserweight Title

Carlos DeLeon of Puerto Rico retained his World Boxing Council cruiserweight title Sunday night on a technical knockout in the eighth round over American Michael Greer.

The 27-year-old champion shook Greer with a series of uppercuts and jabs as the American leaned defenselessly against the ropes.

Referee Rudy Ortega of San Francisco stopped the fight at 1:43 of the round.

Greer, 30, from Memphis, Tenn., was narrowly leading the match when two powerful and precise right uppercuts, DeLeon’s most dangerous weapons, ended Greer’s hopes to win the title in his first attempt.

Sunday’s victory was DeLeon’s 34th in a 12-year professional career that includes four losses and no draws.

Greer, who had entered the fight with a record of 22-2-5, caused several problems with fast left hooks that often landed on DeLeon’s jaw.

DeLeon, who had won the title from American George Benton in Las Vegas last March 22, said he was thinking about a unification bout against World Boxing Assn. champion Evander Holyfield.

“It could be organized in Africa in October or November,” DeLeon said.

DeLeon, who weighed 188 pounds, received $357,000. Greer, who weighed 186, got $120,000.