Ortiz, 41, has suffered just two professional defeats in his career - both of them to Deontay Wilder - and questions had been asked in the lead-in to his first fight since being beaten in the seventh round by the 'Bronze Bomber' a year ago as to whether the wily, technical fighter could remain a threat to the three fighters generally considered to be heavyweight elite: Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Wilder.

And while Flores represents a significant chasm in class compared to that trio, Ortiz couldn't have done much more to impress as he landed a clubbing right hand to the body of his opponent, which folded him into the canvas and prompted the referee to wave off the fight in Los Angeles. 

The commentary team also speculated that Flores may have injured his knee in the exchange, while some fans online were puzzled by the quick first-round stoppage.