Julian Rodriguez wasted no time Saturday night proving what he said about Anthony Laureano not operating on his level.

Rodriguez knocked down Laureano three times in the first round and recorded an impressive, quick knockout on the Eleider Alvarez-Joe Smith Jr. undercard at MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas. Referee Russell Mora stopped their welterweight fight 2:50 into the first round, once Laureano went down for the third time.

The 25-year-old Rodriguez, of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, improved to 20-0 and produced his 13th knockout. The 25-year-old Laureano, of East Hartford, Connecticut, lost for the first time as a pro (13-1, 4 KOs, 1 NC).

Rodriguez was supposed to face Kendo Castaneda on July 7 at MGM Grand Conference Center. The junior welterweight prospect contracted COVID-19 during camp, however, and had to take a month off to recover.

Laureano came in nearly four pounds overweight Friday, but they moved forward with a bout that was contracted for a limit of 142 pounds. Rodriguez weighed in at 141.5 pounds, but the weigh difference didn’t matter.

A left-right combination by Rodriguez knocked Laureano backward and caused him to fall. Laureano’s glove touched the canvas, which counted as the first knockdown just 49 seconds into their scheduled 10-rounder.

Another left-right combination by Rodriguez staggered Laureano later in the first round. A right to the side of his head sent Laureano to the canvas a few seconds later, with 31 seconds to go in the opening round.

Rodriguez’s left sent Laureano to the canvas for the third and final time with 10 seconds remaining in the opening round. Mora immediately called a halt to the action. 

Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.