“Rayo” KO`s “Bandido” with lightning in one

Mexican José “Rayo” Valenzuela, who lives in rainy Seattle, Washington, started his reign as WBC Continental Americas lightweight title, knocking out compatriot and former WBC super featherweight champion Francisco “Bandido” Vargas in the first round, in one of the main backup bouts of the “Spence Jr. vs. Ugás” thriller, at the AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, Texas.

The knockout came early, when “Rayo” Valenzuela measured Vargas with his southpaw right jab and unloaded a mighty left hook that crashed into the chin of “Bandido”, who crashed to the canvas.

Francisco`s head bounced on the canvas, so the Referee immediately stopped the fight at 1.25.

With this result for his career, Valenzuela raised his record to 12-0, with 8 knockouts, while former champion Vargas fell to 27-4-2, with 19 knockouts. Super middleweight sensation and towering David Benavidez, who has the same training team, climbed into the ring to congratulate “Rayo” who respectfully paid tribute to “Bandido” calling him a truly great champion.