And all went as choreographed - the Meza-Clay jump start translated to a eye-catching quickie, with the Rankin, PA, five-two dynamo dispatching his opponent at the 1:31 mark of the opening stanza.

Lizarraga of Tijuana, Mexico had the height-reach advantages that come with a 5’7 vs. 5’2 - but then again, them stats only count when reading a respective rap sheet - or, more to the truth, when the taller one is still upright.

Opening bell saw the all-business Meza-Clay protecting the recently elevated top spot just below WBO champion Steve Luevano - always animated while working from a crouch, but on this outing the head movement, as he brought it to his prey in bob-n-weave fashion was quicker than the norm - and made for a tough target.

The finish arrived at halfway mark of numero uno when Monty followed a barrage of power punches from both sides - left-hooks found the target, and then the closer -  a right uppercut followed by a hurting left hook to the body doing the major damage.

Lizarraga dropped to the canvas and remained in sitting position while awaiting referee Rick Steigerwald  to complete the simple math - only after hearing “TEN” did the victim begin climbing to his feet.

Post Scripts:

• Meza-Clay (28-1, 19 KOs) ~ age 27 - fan friendly in style - offsets taller foes height-reach with impressive bob-n-weave approach. The WBO bauble property of Luevano is within reach - other shareholders (WBC) Linares; (WBA) Chris John; (IBF) Robert Guerrero would make for hot entertainment via unification were Monty successful in WBO title shot.

• Omar Lizarraga (16-5-1, 12 KO) ~ age 32 - was never in this one from opening bell - looked resigned, and when not seeing fire exit in sight did next best thing by sitting out the count.

• Referee: Rick Steigerwald ~ no rookie … handled the Lizarraga weak protest over the ten-count, by quickly waving it off with trace of contempt in the body language. Good on all counts.