The Mexican fighter celebrated a one-sided performance against Mercito Gesta who could do nothing to avoid being knocked out for the second time in his career.

Zepeda, with this victory, is now a legitimate contender for a world title at lightweight as he showed not only a great power with his fists, but Zepeda was also very consistent with the pace of the fight and threw plenty of punches.

From the opening bell, the Mexican showed what he was capable of and relentlessly barraged Gesta, who kept smiling, but in reality it was a different story.

Zepeda kept on working, blocking any kind of response from Gesta until he forced the referee and Mercito's corner to stop the fight halfway through the sixth round.

Currently, Zepeda is ranked fifth in the world, and is just a few steps behind the leading figures of one of boxing's most exciting divisions: the lightweights.

In the co-main event, WBA Intercontinental champion Victor Morales defeated Mexican Edwin Palomares by unanimous decision with scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 96-94.

In an International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organization minimumweight title fight, unified champion Yokasta Valle defeated Maria Micheo by unanimous decision.

The Costa Rican fighter did have to contend with a cut on the bridge of her nose, but she was still able to gain control of the fight.

"I'm happy for my eighth IBF and second WBO defense and this new WBC one which is special (because of Mexican Independence Day). But we will talk about the unification with Seniesa Estrada when he recovers," said Valle, who improved her record to 29-2 with 9 knockouts.