Russian Evgeny Gradovich earned a split decision against Billy Dib to take the IBF featherweight title Friday night.

Gradovich (16-0) made the most of his late opportunity and planted a strong left hook to face of Dib (35-2), stunning him and causing blood to pour out from near his eye.

Both fighters had a point deducted in the eighth round, but in the end Gradovich won by scores of 114-112 on two scorecards. The Australian won by the same count from the other judge.

Gradovich accepted to fight Dib after Luis Franco pulled out of the bout nearly a month ago due to a dispute with his promoter.