Carlos Castro proved without a doubt that he’s ready for the next level.

The 26-year old junior featherweight contender turned in a complete performance, dismantling former interim titlist Cesar Juarez en route to a one-sided stoppage win. Four one-sided rounds were enough for Juarez to be kept on his stool prior to the start of round five in their ESPN-televised chief support Thursday evening at MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Juarez attempted to bully his younger foe from the opening bell, but Castro showed he had plenty of dog in him. The unbeaten Phoenix-based contender worked his jab, following with right hands at an onrushing Juarez. Castro worked in a jab to the fleshy midsection of Mexico City’s Juarez, who would stop punching upon absorbing the shots.

Castro continued to work behind the stick in round two. Juarez was able to push his younger foe to the ropes at time, though unable to take advantage of the situation and allowing Castro to box his way out of trouble.

The early body work by Castro was beginning to take its toll on Juarez. A series of shots downstairs had Juarez doubling over late in round three, with Castro digging his right hand in hopes of scoring a knockdown or even an early stoppage.

After landing 36 punches—including 12 body shots—in round three, Castro dialed up the pressure in round four. Juarez had all but slowed to a crawl, growing increasingly susceptible to his opponent’s body attack. Castro scored right hands and left hook downstairs, coming back up top with power shots against a near defenseless Juarez who showed heart in staying upright.

Juarez was prepared to take more, but his corner wasn’t having any of it. Clearly recognizing his fighter was done, head trainer Javier Jimenez notified Celestino Ruiz that there no longer existed a need for the fight to continue.

Castro adds to an impressive résumé that includes a points win over then-perennial contender Genesis Servania last February. The win advances the 26-year old to 26-0 (11KOs), and hungry for so much more.

“I’m number two in the WBC (122-pound rankings), I’m ready for anything,” Castro told ESPN’s Bernardo Osuna after the contest. “I’ll fight for the interim title, whatever. I want (WBC 122-pound titlist) Rey Vargas.”

Juarez suffers his second straight defeat, falling to 25-9 (19KOs).

The bout served in supporting capacity to a scheduled 10-round heavyweight main event between former title challenger Carlos Takam (38-5-1, 28KOs) and southpaw Jerry Forrest (26-3, 20KOs).

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox