By Francisco Salazar

Lightweight Felix Verdejo made quick work of Mexico's Yardley Armenta, knocking him out late Saturday night at the Coliseo Mario 'Quijote' Morales in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

It was Verdejo's first fight since he was knocked out by Mexico's Antonio Lozada on Mar. 17 in New York City.

Looking sharp from the opening bell, Verdejo ended matters in round two, throwing a left hook to the head that dropped Armenta to the canvas. Armenta was counted out at 38 seconds.

Armenta, who resides in Los Mochis, drops to 24-12, 14 KOs. He has now lost four of his last six fights.

Verdejo, who resides in San Juan, improves to 24-1, 16 KOs. The 25-year-old Verdejo is still popular amongst fight fans in Puerto Rico as a modest-sized crowd was in attendance.

"One learns from their losses nod takes things more seriously," said Verdejo, who is now being trained by Evangelista Cotto after being trained by Ricky Marquez. "I'm very appreciative with Puerto Rico for their support."

"I'm going to take a week off and I will return to the gym to keep chasing my goal of fighting on the big stages again."

Verdejo still fights under the Top Rank banner, but fought Saturday night on a card promoted by Jensen Soto.

Verdejo's next fight is being targeted for early 2019 in the United States.

"It is very likely that he will return in the first quarter of 2019. We do not have an opponent yet, but it is very likely that it will be in the United States," Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti told ESPN Deportes.

Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing