Kevin Piedrahita is not letting one defeat hold him back.

The junior lightweight prospect defeated Jesus Carrillo Saturday night at the Auditorio Medardo Meza in Loreto, Mexico.

Scores were 80-72, 80-72, and 79-71 for Piedrahita, who improved to 7-1, 6 knockouts.

Piedrahita dominated from the opening bell, and while Carrillo was game, he was not able to get on track and mount any serious offense. Carrillo was in survival mode during the last couple of rounds, and was able to make it to the final bell.

The 23-year-old, who is originally from Pereira, Colombia and now resides in Celaya, Mexico, stopped previously-unbeaten Marco Cota Moreno in the fifth round of his last bout on September 16. Piedrahita has won his last two bouts since losing by knockout to Lisandro Barazarte on July 1 of last year.

Despite the setback against Barazarte, Piedrahita is confident he is hitting his stride as a prizefighter and the best is yet to come.

“I was very happy about my performance,” said Piedrahita after the fight. “This was the first time an opponent was able to take my punches and didn’t go down before the final bell, so I was able to show another element to my game. 

“I am improving everyday with my trainer Salvador Flores, and under the guidance of my promoter, Shapiro Sports and Entertainment, I know my opportunities will only get bigger and better.”

Shapiro agrees.

“This was a big win for Kevin’s development,” Shapiro told BoxingScene Tuesday morning. “He is a power-puncher who learned that sometimes a knockout doesn’t always present itself, so you must find other ways to get the win. He got the necessary rounds that will help him in the long run.

“In only eight fights, I would be surprised to find another fighter who has been matched as hard as he has, and now we will look to move him to the United States for bigger opportunities.”

Carrillo, who resides in Los Cabos, Mexico, falls to 6-4-1, 2 KOs. The 22-year-old had won his previous four bouts, including defeating previously-unbeaten Francisco Martinez Dominguez in his previous fight on March 25.