Miguel Cotto v Gianluca Branco

Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto, touted as a possible future opponent for Britain’s Ricky Hatton, retained his WBO light-welterweight title when Italy’s Gianluca Branco retired in the eighth round of their Bayamon bout due to a shoulder injury.

The 25-year-old Cotto was defending his title for the fifth time and was in control throughout the fight.

A flurry of left jabs and hooks in the first round caused damage to Branco’s left eye and he soon cut a frustrated figure.

He complained several times to the referee claiming he had been the victim of low blows and head butts but the protests were waved away.

The fight ended 49 seconds into the eighth when Branco pointed to his right shoulder, claiming he could not continue.

The victory stretched Cotto’s career record to 26 victories and no defeats and he could now meet Paul Malignaggi at Madison Square Garden in June.