Jesus Arechiga is beginning to make a name for himself at 122 pounds.

Arechiga remained unbeaten Friday night, knocking out Luis Alvarado in the opening round at the Gimnasio German Evers in his hometown of Mazatlan, Mexico.

The 23-year-old Arechiga improved to 21-0, 15 knockouts.

Alvarado was the aggressor from the opening bell, initiating exchanges as Arechiga utilized the ring to fight from distance. Later in the round, a right hand was able to connect to the chin of Alvarado. Moments later, a sweeping right cross to the head dropped Alvarado to the canvas. The fight was immediately stopped moments before the end of the round. 

With the victory, Arechiga won a regional title belt and a possible ranking with the WBC. 

In his previous fight on June 30, Arechiga stopped Mario Diaz Maldonado in the eighth round. On February 25, Arechiga defeated Jesus Gomez Quintana by decision over eight one-sided rounds.

Arechiga’s most notable win as a pro took place on June 24 of last year, defeating former fringe contender David Reyes Cota by knockout.

Arechiga is trained by Hector Zapari.

Alvarado, who resides in Cuernavaca, Mexico, falls to 8-3, 1 KO. The 22-year-old previously fought on May 23, losing to Ernesto Salcedo in the final seconds of the eighth and final round. 

Also in action on the Zapari Boxing card, lightweight Jose Amaro, who also resides in Mazatlan, improved to 8-0-1, 4 KOs, defeating Hector Vargas by unanimous decision over six rounds. 

The 19-year-old Amaro made his pro debut in March 2021.

Vargas, who resides in Victoria de Durango, Mexico, falls to 7-4, 1 KO. The 23-year-old Vargas has now lost three of his last five bouts. 

In a four round junior middleweight bout, Juan Estrada of Mazatlan defeated David Banda Leal (3-10-2, 3 KOs) of Gomez Palacio, Mexico by unanimous decision. Estrada improved to 7-0, 1 KO. 

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