Mark Magsayo hardly broke a sweat and made easy work of Ecuadorian foe Bryan Mercado with a second-round knockout victory at the Thunder Studios, Long Beach California on Sunday, Dec. 15 (Manila time).

In a fight that only aims to keep him busy and in shape before going for a title chase next year, the 29-year-old pride of Tagbilaran City, Bohol flaunted his experience and firepower to send Mercado to the canvas three times before a fourth knockdown settled it in the second stanza.

A sweeping left to the head in the opening round set the tone for Magsayo as it staggered Mercado who tried to create distance after getting the first taste of the Filipino’s punching power.

Magsayo, however, gave chase and went for a left hook to the body, sending the Ecuadorian down for the first time. Mercado got back up but found himself sitting on the canvas just seconds after another left from Magsayo.

Sensing blood in the water, Magsayo then went for the kill as soon as he heard the bell rang, dropping Mercado with another shot to the body before another one to the head convinced referee Gerard White to stop the fight with just 28 seconds into the second round.

As if it was a declaration of war, Magsayo improved to a 27-2 record with 17 knockouts as he kept his eyes on a possible shot at the World Boxing Council super featherweight title, currently being held by O’Shaquie Foster.

Currently rated No. 3 in the rankings, the Filipino is hoping to arrange a title eliminator showdown against ranked No. 2 and Mexican contender Eduardo Hernandez.