Edwin Valero took his flawless record to 27 knockouts in 27 fights on Saturday night after stopping Antonio DeMarco. The Mexican challenger’s corner threw in the towel after nine rounds to give Valero the fight by Technical KO.

Following the fight in Monterrey, Mexico, WBC light-welterweight champion Valero said he was prepared to move up several weight categories to take on Manny Pacquiao. The Venezuelan said: “That’s the fight the world wants to see.”

A fight against the Filipino superstar would represent a step up in more than just weight after he dispatched of yet another challenger though DeMarco provided more of a challenge than many of the 26 fighters Valero had previously stopped.

A flying elbow in the second round saw a cut open up on Valero’s brow and his corner had a job on its hands to stem the gushing blood. However, the Venezuelan was fit to continue and by the fourth round the judges had Valero ahead.

Though he did not change his unorthodox style, keeping his hands low and looking for a knockout blow with almost every punch, Valero’s feet were quick and he kept himself out of DeMarco’s reach. He landed several damaging punches, stepping up a gear in the eighth to land combinations.

DeMarco had his moments but even when landing solid punches, such as a thumping right hook in the sixth, he was on the end of significant punishment and could not make an inroad on Valero’s points lead.

By the end of the eighth, DeMarco’s corner considered ending the contest and after another round in which Valero was clearly in control they threw in the towel. There was no protest from the challenger, who looked as if he had nothing left to give.

Valero kept up his perfect record and will have impressed many with a convincing victory in a fight that was broadcast live on Showtime in the USA. However, a money-spinning fight against Pacquaio that would be a box-office smash may not be easy to arrange.

The Venezuelan has been refused permission to fight in the US in the past, a result of a drink-driving conviction in Texas. He also holds an indefinite suspension on medical grounds following a car accident in 2001 that saw him fail a pre-fight medical in New York previously.

He has continued his career by fighting in other countries but even if he steps up the weight he may find Pacquiao’s management reluctant to take on a fight away from Las Vegas.