Jorge Linares suffered a startling defeat in the first round of his clash with Pablo Cesar Cano at Madison Square Garden last night.
The three-weight world champion was stepping up to 140lbs and visibly found the going tough as the Mexican fighter Can disassembled him within one round with a series of crushing shots.
Linares, 33, was put on the canvas three times in under a round, landing on his backside for the first time just 15 seconds in after being caught with a big right hand.
The Venezuelan found his way back to his feet but found Cano bearing down on him once more, putting him down with a second right hand just over a minute later and, once more, with a vicious left hook.
Referee Ricky Gonzalez was forced to step in and end the bout close to the final bell in the first with Linares backtracking away from the force of Cano and unable to cope with his power.
Linares, taking part in his 50th professional fight, was admirably honest about his struggles in the aftermath of what was a crushing defeat.
“He surprised me with that big right hand. He's got power, he can punch, so he surprised me in the first round," he told DAZN.
"Five pounds is so different but before that, at 135, I was better and better. Now I've moved up to 140, it's hard for me, right now."
Cano is now likely to get a shot at a super-lightweight title, while Linares’ next move is now less clear.
