TEMECULA, California - Junior middleweight prospect Fernando Vargas, Jr. got the win Friday night, but it was not the way he wanted to earn the 'W.'

Vargas won by knockout after the second round after late-sub Heber Rondon remained on his stool after the second round in front of a near-sellout crowd at the Pechanga Resort and Casino.

The 26-year-old Vargas, who resides in North Las Vegas, Nevada, improved to 9-0, 9 knockouts. 

From the opening bell, Vargas asserted himself against the awkward Rondon, who attempted to counter Vargas with one swooping hook or cross to the head.

Vargas remained composed, utilizing his jab to get within punching range to connect with straight left hands or right hooks to the head and body of Rondon.

When he was throwing punches, Rondon was posturing and posing, enticing Vargas to initiate exchanges in an attempt to counter him. The tactic worked at times, but Vargas was able to connect and get out of Rondon's punching range.

With about a minute left in the second round, Rondon threw a straight left to the head. As he threw the punch, Rondon winced in pain. Rondon continued to fight on, but looked like he was in discomfort as the round concluded.

After the bell sounded to end the round, Rondon went back to his corner, sat down on his stool and motioned to his corner that he was not able to continue. There was confusion as Vargas thought the fight was still in progress.

Vargas is trained by his father, former two-time world junior middleweight titleholder Fernando Vargas. Fernando Vargas, Jr. is the older brother of Amado and Emiliano Vargas, who are also unbeaten prospects.

Fernando Vargas, Jr., along with Amado, are promoted by MarvNation Promotions. 

Rondon, who resides in Los Teques, Venezuela, falls to 20-5, 13 KOs. He has lost his last five bouts.

Francisco A. Salazar has written for BoxingScene since September 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing