Gradovich, who took the title from Dib via a split decision in March, had less trouble in their rematch as the title holder took nearly every round and even put Dib on the floor in the sixth.
Both fighters had no problem trading punches throughout, although Dib consistently came off second best and in the end a combination of his corner and the referee pulled him out during the ninth round, rightfully so.
The likeable Australian looked a dejected figure, having nothing left in the tank at the time of the stoppage and it is hard to see where the former belt holder can go after a one-sided loss such as this.
On the flip side, Gradovich is now 16-0 and flying after back-to-back title defences, having moved closer to a possible fight with Nonito Donaire, according to the whispers coming out of the Top Rank stable.
I had ithe fight 79-72 to Gradovich at the time of the retirement as Dib struggled to gain any sort of foothold in the contest.
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