By Gabriel F. Cordero

Former world champion Wilfredo “Papito” Vázquez Jr. (25-7-2, 20 KOs) left the overflow Auditorio Centenario crowd in stunned silence by brutally knocking out hometown idol and former two-division world champion Cristian “Diamante” Mijares (59-9-2, 27 KOs) on Saturday night in Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico.

In round three, Vazquez got the better of a vicious exchange that shattered Mijares’ nose and sent him crumpling to the canvas to hear the full count. Mijares had already stated this would be his last fight. Vazquez had lost three straight entering the fight and hadn’t fought in 20 months.

In the co-feature, super lightweight José “Pistón” López (28-6-2, 15 KOs) won a majority decision over Roberto “Massa” Ortíz (35-3-2, 26 KOs).