By Rafael Soto

WBO featherweight champion Orlando Salido (38-11-2, 26KOs) knew that a knockout victory was crucial on Saturday night. After going to Puerto Rico last April to stop hometown hero Juan Manuel Lopez (31-2, 28KOs) in eight rounds, Salido repeated his accomplishment with a tenth round stoppage of the Puerto Rican star. Although Salido appeared to be well ahead in the fight, he wasn't surprised with the shocking scorecards - which had Lopez winning a majority decision at the time of the knockout - with scores of 86-84, 86-84 and 85-85.

"The preparation that I did for this fight was key. I knew I had to knock him out. I didn't want to place my trust in the judges and I [knew a knockout was needed]. I thank God for the way things went, and we provided another victory to Mexico and Sonora. I dedicate the fight to all of the fans who believed in me, my friend Alejandro Lopez Caballero for all the support he has given me in my career, and I want to thank my promoter Zanfer, my corner, my family and my friends," Salido said.