The Venezuelan was returning to his native country for the first time in five and a half years and didn’t disappoint in scoring the 27th early finish of his career.
Linares was too classy and powerful for the Mexican challenger and had him on the canvas in the third and fourth rounds. ‘El Nino del Oro’ ended the contest just two seconds shy of the ten minute mark.
A rematch with Kevin Mitchell, which was much-touted before this latest outing, could be on the cards for Linares in the spring of 2016 should the Londoner come through his December 12 contest on the Anthony Joshua v Dillian Whyte undercard.
Also on the bill at El Poliedro, Alfonso Blanco remained undefeated by carding a one-sided points win over veteran Sergey Khomitsky. In the process, Alfonso picked up the interim WBA middleweight belt currently occupied by Chris Eubank Jr.
British star Eubank has already agreed to vacate the fringe 160 pound title once his UK fight with Tony Jeter on December 12 is complete, which will then leave 12-0 Blanco as the sole champion.
Blanco won with scores of 119-109 twice and 118-112.
