By Rafael Soto
Arena Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico - Francisco Rodriguez Jr. had the benefit of hometown advantage, but his 10th round stoppage win over previously unbeaten Merlito Sabillo in Monterrey still serves as one of the biggest shockers of the year to this point. A pair of knockdowns in round two set the tone for Rodriguez Jr., whose lone notable fight prior to Saturday was a knockout loss to former two-divison champ Roman 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez last October.
Rodriguez Jr. advances to 14-2 (10KO) in scoring by far the biggest win of his career. Sabillo heads to the Philippines with his first official loss, falling to 23-1-1 (12KO).
Rodriguez Jr's demolition of Sabillo wasn't the only upset of the night. Vivian Harris, less than a month after being medically disqualified from fighting on a card in England, picked up his third straight win with a split decision over Jorge Paez Jr. Scores were 96-94 (twice) for Harris and 96-94 Paez Jr. in their 10-round welterweight fight. The win advances Harris' record to 32-9-2 (19KO). Paez Jr. snaps a 10-fight win streak with the loss, as his record now dips to 37-5-1 (22KO).
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