Merida (Mexico), June 24 (IANS): Mexico's Miguel Berchelt has retained his WBC super featherweight title after crushing Argentina's Jonathan 'Yoni' Barros in three rounds at Poliforum Zamna.

In the 53rd second of the third round, Berchelt (34-1-0, 30 KO) sent Barros (41-6-1, 22 KO) to the canvas for the third time, leading referee Michael Griffin to end the fight at 12 rounds on Saturday, reports Efe.

From the very first round, Berchelt rained down on Barros with his fists while the latter tried to maintain a distance from his opponent through jabs.

Berchelt's lethal hook soon brought down Barros, who prior to the fight had said he would become the "executioner" of Mexican fighters.

Berchelt with a run of 13 wins, is set to face fellow compatriot Miguel 'Mickey' Roman, weighing 130 pounds, and a challenger to Berchelt's title.

Mexico, with 28 victories, is currently ahead of Argentina in the history of fights between boxers from both the countries competing for the world championship.