CARSON, Calif. – Kevin Johnson ruined the U.S. debut of Luis David Salazar in a big way, along with his previously unblemished record.

Detroit’s Johnson floored the unbeaten Dominican four times en route to an 8th round stoppage victory Saturday afternoon at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Salazar was down twice in round three and once each in rounds seven and eight, the latter producing an instant stoppage at 0:17 of round eight.

Salazar fought exclusively in his native Dominican Republic prior to Saturday and was dealt a painful boxing lesson for the experience. Johnson’s work rate and hand speed proved troublesome for the 27-year-old junior welterweight prospect, pumping his right hand and connecting with rapid fire combinations both upstairs and to the body.

Johnson worked his jab in round three, setting up a long right hand which sent Salazar crashing to the canvas late in the frame. Salazar beat the count and survived the sobriety test issued by referee Ray Corona, only for Johnson to floor him with another right hand.

Salazar spent the rest of the bout contending with Johnson’s pressure along with a cut along the bridge of his nose. It allowed him to go rounds, only to take unnecessary punishment for the remainder of the bout. Johnson connected with a clean left hook to floor Salazar late in round seven before closing the show early in round eight. A flurry of punches left Salazar defenseless before once again hitting the deck, this time with the fight waved off on the spot.

Johnson improves to 8-3 (3KOs) with the win, while Salazar falls to 15-1 (3KOs).

The bout served as part of a four-fight non-televised undercard preceding the Showtime televised tripleheader.

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