MANILA, Philippines–Former world champion Mark Magsayo kept his grand plans in check.

Magsayo remained on track for a title shot after demolishing Ecuador’s Bryan Mercado inside two rounds in their lightweight bout on Sunday (Manila time) in Long Beach, California.

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The 29-year-old Magsayo displayed his punching power and dropped Mercado four times en route to his 18th career knockout, hiking his record to 27-2.

READ: Mark Magsayo feels he won in decision loss to Brandon Figueroa

Magsayo was aggressive from the get-go and was just simply too good for Mercado (11-7-1, 6KOs). He knocked down Mercado for the first time late in the first round with a vicious left hook to the body.

Magsayo has been on a resurgence since suffering back-to-back defeats at the hands of two-division champions Rey Vargas and Brandon Figueroa.

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The pride of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, who has been residing in California for the past few years, is on a three-fight streak.

READ: Mark Magsayo vows to ‘come back stronger’ after title loss to Rey Vargas

He once held the WBC featherweight strap after edging Gary Russell Jr. by majority decision in January 2022 before losing to Vargas on points six months later.

Magsayo is rated in the top five by the four major sanctioning bodies, including No. 3 by the WBC and WBO. He is highly likely to contend for a belt next year.