Laval boxer Jean Pascal embraces his daughter, Angel, after making the first successful defence of his title on Friday. (Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press)
Pascal (24-1), of Laval, Que., knocked down his opponent once in the seventh and twice more in the 10th before the Italian's corner threw in the towel to put an end to a nasty but one-sided bout.
"It was a relief in the end," said Pascal. "It was the first time I defended a title and I was nervous in the beginning.
"It wasn't the prettiest fight, but it will help me in my career. He has a difficult style. I tip my hat to Mr. Branco, even if I find that he is a very good actor."
Pascal, 26, won the title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Montreal-based Adrian Diaconu (26-1) on June 19.
He is likely headed to a rematch against Diaconu either later this year or early in 2010.
The 43-year-old Branco (59-10-2) had his right eye cut in the third round.
At the end of the fourth round, Pascal had Branco backed into the ropes and the Italian suddenly lurched forward and fell on his head, claiming he had been pulled down. Referee Gerry Bolen ruled it a slip but made an eight-count because Blanco appeared to be briefly shaken up.
Pascal was insistent after the bout that it was a knockdown.
In the seventh, Pascal complained of shots to the back of the head, then got warned for an obvious hold, but ended the round with a knockdown after a flurry of blows that his opponent's corner claimed was a push.
On the undercard, Montreal super middleweight Adonis Stevenson resumed his career with a fifth-round stoppage of Jermain Mackey. Stevenson had been out of action for 13 months due to injuries suffered in an automobile accident.
Source:
CBC Sports
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