Opened with Juan on the attack - a bit reckless in style - maybe delivering a message as he fired away from both sides with power - to his credit, Julio handled the incoming, but showed little in way of response. 

Then stanza two - a sizzler with hot exchanges that went to the Texas college senior - and off that round, the hint was this one would be a long night for the defending IBF champion. 

Juan kept it busy over stanza three - Julio tried answering but couldn’t match the “Baby Bull” output - round after round it was replay after replay, and the damage began growing under “The Kidd’s” left eye. 

The blowout continued through stanza six - a desperate Julio did his best to stem the tide via assorted misdemeanors - the billy goat approach of past lightweight champ Paddy de Marco the most flagrant, albeit a weak replica that drew warnings from referee Geno Rodriguez. 

Finally, between eight and nine, the word from the Kidd’s corner is their man could no longer continue - and with it, the pocket version of Jake “Bronx Bull” LaMotta buys himself three of the four available title trinkets. 

Post Scripts: Juan Diaz ( 33-0, 17 KO) ~ age 24 - a credit to the game in and out of the ring - no trash talking - began this one a tad on the reckless side which is not the norm. Settled down once going to the jab as table setter for them power barrages to head and body. The WBC standard bearer is another Diaz - David Diaz who was in attendance. Pretty much made to order for the Texan with the matching shooting irons, and good defense when in need.
                      Julio Diaz ( 34-4, 25 KO) ~ age 27 - from the start “The Kidd” proved a slow learner unlike the Texas college student in the other corner - round after round came out second best as both worked on the inside. Is still young enough to play the small club scene - had his 15 minutes under the IBF banner.            

                     Ref. Geno Rodriguez ~ easy assignment - caught two Julio infractions - repeated head butts and hitting on the break - although Geno left the door open with a weak break. Missed the elbows and forearms as weapons. Think refresher course in order for Geno of “I survived Colombia” infamy in last outing. 

                    Commentators - the late night segment still had Lennox Lummox working color with Larry Merchant and Bob Papa. Kinda miss Maxie the “hysterian” who was past regular on the after dark series - but only for the humor.   

Closing thoughts: The post fight in ring interview with Merchant saw the Pacquaio name pop up as possible next defense. Sounded here more like it came off an HBO wish list. How about Diaz vs. (David) Diaz for total unification at first.