IBF lightweight champion Richard Commey went to war with Ray Beltran before recording an eighth-round TKO win on Friday.

Commey (29-2) made a strong start and had the edge from then on at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California.

The Ghanaian dropped Beltran four times during the fight, having been assured of retaining his title after the Mexican failed to make weight.

Commey knocked Beltran down twice in the opening round and it looked set to be over quickly before the latter steadied with some big counters.

Beltran would rally during certain rounds, usually when he was in trouble, and managed to wobble Commey on more than occasion.

However, a huge left hand from Commey saw the entertaining fight ended in the eighth round.

Beltran, at 38-years-old, has not made an official decision on whether or not he will march forward with his pro run. If he does decide to continue his career, he intends to move up in weight to the junior welterweight division.

"He caught me with a good shot in the eighth round, and the referee decided to stop the fight. Now I am going to get together with my team and figure out what's next. If I fight on, I will move up to 140 pounds," Beltran said.