Hector Flores is slowly emerging as a contender in the junior flyweight division.

Flores knocked out Juan Carlos Parra Friday night at the Grand Hotel in Flores’ hometown of Tijuana, Mexico.

The 28-year-old Flores improves to 17-0-4, 9 knockouts.

Friday marked Flores’ first fight since August 21 when he defeated Juan Carlos Diego by decision over eight one-sided rounds. The victory over Diego took place almost two months after Flores’ victory over once-beaten Jesus Lemus by unanimous decision.

From the opening bell, Flores was the aggressor as Parra attempted to counter. Parra was able to find success standing in the pocket, connecting with the occasional hook and cross to the head of Flores.

During round 3, Flores began to land thudding and effective combinations that began to take their toll on Parra. Flores suddenly ended matters in round 4 by landing a vicious counter right cross to the head, dropping Parra flat onto his back. The fight was immediately stopped.

Flores has now stopped four of his last seven fights.

Parra, who resides in Merida, Mexico, drops to 5-4.

In a clash of unbeaten flyweights, Angel Ayala (11-0, 5 KOs) dropped Giovani Gonzalez twice en route to a unanimous decision victory.

Ayala dropped Gonzalez with the first punch within the first 30 seconds of the opening round. Gonzalez was game, but Ayala was the more-effective fighter, landing more punches and combinations.

Gonzalez spent most of the middle rounds attempting to counter by standing in the pocket, finding some success, but Ayala was effective in utilizing his quickness to initiate combinations, connecting to the head and body. 

Both had their moments in round 8, connecting in the pocket during the final moments of the round. Gonzalez continued to press the action, but Ayala sealed the win by finishing strong during the final two rounds.

Gonzalez, who resides in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico, drops to 10-1, 7 KOs.

Flyweight Joel Cordova of Mexico City improved to 12-4-2 1 NC, 3 KOs by knocking out Ottoniel Ortiz Zarate (6-5, 4 KOs) at 2:00 of the opening round. Ortiz, who resides in Comitan, Mexico, has now lost his last four bouts.

Promoter of the card was AZTK Boxing and MMA Promotion.

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