Unbeaten International Boxing Federation junior flyweight champion Mauricio Pastrana of Colombia stopped Carlos Murillo of Panama in the ninth round on Saturday, but still lost his title.

Pastrana failed three times during a two-and-a-half-hour period to make the 108-pound (49 kg) limit at the official weigh-in prior to the bout.

Under IBF rules, Pastrana could not retain his title even with a win. Had Murillo won, he would have been crowned the new champion, but Pastrana was victorious, so the title was declared vacant.

Pastrana (25) lost the title, but improved his record to 19-0 with 16 bouts finished within the distance. The 27-year-old Murillo now has a mark of 37-6.