By Jake Donovan

Boxing’s latest anointed golden boy just turned bronze.

Golden Boy Promotions’ latest acquisition, Jorge Linares saw his alphabet title reign and undefeated run come to a violently crashing halt, as unbeaten contender Juan Carlos Salgado scored two knockdowns en route to a first round knockout Saturday in Tokyo, Japan.

The bout was designed as a routine title defense for Linares, who was being groomed for an HBO Boxing After Dark showcase early next year. Those plans are at the very least compromised, if not scrapped altogether, as the 24-year old never had a chance to get going.

Undefeated but untested, Salgado employed an effective jab from the opening bell, intent to prove himself on the title stage. Linares attempted to utilize his own stick, but never committed to an attack as did his Mexican challenger.

It cost him dearly, in more ways than one.

Fighting at his desired distance, Salgado was able to commit to a left hook right hand combination. The right never had a chance to land; the left hook provided all of the necessary damage. The shot caught Linares on the temple, sending the Venezuelan to the deck less than a minute into the contest.

Linares arose early, but that may have been his worst mistake. He slowly staggered backwards towards a neutral corner.

Referee Luis Pabon continued with the mandatory eight count before allowing action to resume, but it soon became clear that Linares was in no position to defend himself. It’s not to say that Pabon did his job; the fighter gave every indication that he was ready to continue.

However, once action resumed, Linares appeared lost. Salgado didn’t hesitate, racing across the ring and firing off one last flurry that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas in the proverbial heap.

 No count was issued this time, as Pabon immediately stepped in to end the fight.

The official time was 1:13 of the first round.

Salgado improves – in every sense of the word – to 21-0-1 (15KO). The fight was a massive leap in competition, a test to which he passed with flying colors. The bout was his first beyond the US and Mexican borders.

Much of the golden shine is knocked off of Linares, who falls to 27-1 (18KO). His career had been hampered by injuries, forced to sit out most of 2008 and only appearing once this year after reaching new heights in 2007.

At age 24, there’s plenty of time to recover, especially from a quick knockout (see Amir Khan’s career trajectory since his own disaster last September). The difference in Linares’ career plans before and after Saturday’s disaster is that not as much enthusiasm will be carried into a US showcase that apparently isn’t coming anytime soon.

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of Boxingscene.com and an award-winning member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Contact Jake at JakeNDaBox@gmail.com .