Jose Valenzuela stunned Edwin De Los Santos with a second-round knockout to avenge his 2022 loss at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

De Los Santos inflicted what was Valenzuela’s toughest defeat of his career four years ago when he suffered a third-round knockout. With it, De Los Santos remains the only opponent to have stopped Valenzuela inside the distance.

Valenzuela entered the bout determined to avenge his loss to De Los Santos, and he did so in emphatic fashion, producing a statement knockout that strengthened his case for a future showdown with American star Shakur Stevenson in the lightweight division.

From the opening round, Valenzuela was making his mark, a huge left hand in the closing seconds rocking his opponent with Valenzuela’s power clear for all to see.

He responded by coming out on the attack in the second round, capitalizing immediately on the momentum he had built.

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A second round knockout improved his record to 16-3

After drawing De Los Santos into the battle and off the ropes, Valenzuela came up with a right hook that send De Los Santos to the canvas and down for the count.

With that, Valenzuela had wrapped up a career-altering victory as the former 140-pounder looks to cement a legacy at 135.

The knockout victory improved Valenzuela’s record to 16-3, marking his 10th knockout.

In the co-main event, undefeated featherweight Omar Trinidad reigned supreme with a unanimous decision win over former super flyweight world champion Jerwin Ancajas.

Valenzuela targeting Stevenson

Valenzuela has made no secret of his desire to face Stevenson next.

After the retirement of Terence Crawford, Stevenson is widely regarded as the pound-for-pound best boxer America has. That’s why he’s such an appealing target for Valenzuela.

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“I can’t help but think about Shakur Stevenson. That’s a guy I’ve always wanted to fight, he’s a hell of a fighter,” Valenzuela told Sky Sports.

“I’d love a fight with him. That’s a fight that really moves me.

“That’s what boxing’s about. Competing with each other,” he continued. “Styles make fights and I think I’m a perfect style for Stevenson.”