By Jake Donovan

Melissa Hernandez has seen it all in her 14-year career, but few knew what to expect from the 39-year old lioness following a three-year absence.

Perhaps more surprised than anyone else was Selina Barrios, who suffered the first loss of her young career in the opening bout of the DAZN livestream Saturday evening at the Cajundome in Lafayette, La.

Scores were 79-73 (twice) and 80-72 in favor of Hernandez, who picks up her first win since Oct. ’15.

Barrios—the older sister of current super lightweight contender Mario Barrios—sought to find a home for her potent right hand, but was never able to get into a rhythm in their eight-round slugfest. A clash of heads left her cut and bruised in round two, with Hernandez only gaining more confidence with each passing round.

Both boxers had their say in a spirited round three. Hernandez (23-7-3, 7KOs) connected with a left hook and then showing her stellar infighting skills in ducking the incoming while standing directly in front of her younger foe. Barrios finally gauged her timing, connecting with a right hand to remind the 39-year old that she was here to fight.

It was her lone bright moment in the sun, as Hernandez shook off the blow and gained confidence with each passing round. By fight’s end, the Miami-based returning contender looked like she could go eight more rounds, while Barrios (5-1, 2KOs) was left with a gruesome and gushing cut over her left eye and facial swelling symbolizing the learning lesson she endured on Saturday.

The bout served in supporting capacity to a pair of World Boxing Super Series semifinals bouts. Regis Prograis challenges Belarus’ Kiryl Relikh for a 140-pound title in the main event, while legendary four-division champ and reigning bantamweight titlist Nonito Donaire faces late replacement Stephon Young in the chief support.

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