In a decisive opening‑round knockout, the 37‑year‑old Filipino fighter secured a swift victory over the 34‑year‑old Mexican contender at the National Orange Show Event Center in San Bernardino, California.
The match ended when a powerful right hand sent the Mexican opponent down, forcing the referee to stop the bout with just 29 seconds remaining in the first round.
With the win, the Filipino boxer claimed the WBO International featherweight title and cemented his status as the mandatory challenger to the current world champion.
He enters the ring with an unblemished record of 19 victories, 13 of them by knockout, and a history of strong performances against top‑level competition.
Last year’s bout against the world champion was marred by controversy when a ringside physician halted the fight due to a deep cut, leading to a technical decision that was later overturned.
The decision to declare the fight a no‑contest stemmed from the governing body’s ruling that the injury resulted from a clean punch rather than an accidental headbutt.
Following that outcome, the champion chose to defend his title against the IBF champion instead of pursuing a rematch with the Filipino fighter.
The victory over the Mexican contender positions the Filipino boxer for a high‑profile showdown with the reigning champion, a matchup that has been sought by both camps for months.
The fight promises to be a decisive test of skill and determination, with the champion looking to solidify his legacy and the challenger aiming to break into the top tier of the division.
Both fighters are expected to prepare for a bout that could reshape the featherweight landscape and set the stage for future title defenses.
