Carbajal Makes Quick Work of Santos

LAS VEGAS — Once again, Michael Carbajal proved small can be big.

Carbajal, showing punching power rarely seen at 108 pounds, stopped challenger Macario Santos with a devastating left hook in the second round Sunday night to retain his International Boxing Federation junior-flyweight title.

It was the sixth knockout in a row for the 1988 Olympic silver medalist, who won for the 19th time in as many pro fights.

“I knew it would only be a matter of time,” Carbajal said. “I was setting him up with my jab, trying to hit him with a clean shot.”

The left hook, which followed a pair of nice rights, landed flush on the face of the challenger, who crumpled to the canvas. Santos stayed on his back as referee Richard Steele counted him out at 1:09 of the second round.

“I didn’t see the second punch,” Santos said through an interpreter. “He’s a very good fighter.”

It was the second successful defense of the IBF junior-flyweight title that Carbajal won last July by stopping Maungchai Kittikasem, and the fourth fight in a row for the champion that has gone five rounds or less.

Carbajal, who earned $100,000, improved to 19-0 with 13 knockouts.

It was the first fight outside of Mexico for Santos (27-2-1), who earned $7,000. He was stopped for the first time in his career.