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Showman Paez stops Macias in eighth round

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Former IBF featherweight champion Jorge Paez stopped Juan Macias in the eighth round of a scheduled 10-round lightweight bout Saturday night.

Paez, of Mexico, floored compatriot Macias with a left hand, then lost a point when he hit Macias again while he was still down. A follow up combination with a left hook held Macias helpless on the ropes when referee Pat Russell stopped the fight at 2:56 of the round.

Paez, now more showman than contender, dressed in a shiny pink, polka-dotted skirt and entertained fans with his antics. He wound up punches, danced with his opponent, and hit him low and behind the head.

Despite the clowning, Paez won all but the first round at Arrowhead Arena.

This was Paez's second win over Macias. He also knocked Macias out in the sixth round on March 28, 1998. He has won 13 fights without a defeat since the beginning of 2000.

Both fighters weighed 137 pounds. Paez, 36, is now 74-14-5, with 50 knockouts. Macias, 31, has 27-18-2, with 19 knockouts.

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