Joe Smith, Jr. TKO9 Steve Geffrard ... At Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York, Joe Smith, Jr. stopped Steve Geffrard in the ninth round to retain the WBO light heavyweight title. Geffrard, a late replacement when original challenger Callum Johnson contracted the coronavirus a little over a week ago, ran out of gas in round nine. Geffrard stopped punching back and took a knee in the corner. It didn't look like he was inclined to stand up before the ten count, but the issue was mooted when Geffrard's trainer Kevin Cunningham told the corner inspector to stop the contest. Geffrard had never been past eight rounds before, and he barelymade it into the ninth vs. Smith. Geffrard is now 18-3 after losing his first two pro fights. Smith, now 28-3, had a bruise under his right eye after the fight, but seemed fine afterwards. He said he was looking forward to unifying with IBF/WBC champion Artur Beterbiev next.