This was the fourth professional career loss for "Mr. Sympathicus", who nevertheless retained his WBF super welterweight title.

The 39-year-old from Ptuj had to concede to the seven years younger Lara, who is widely regarded as one of the most technically skilled fighters in boxing today.

Lara started seriously attacking Zavec already in the second round and it was over in the third after the referee ended the fight with the Slovenian being seriously hurt in the shoulder.

"Considering what you have seen, I have nothing further to explain. Lara was really dominant and exceptional today. I congratulate him," Zavec told reporters after the loss.

This is Zavec's third professional career loss in the US and fourth overall, with his first loss coming in September 2008 in Katowice against Rafael Jackiewicz of Poland.

After bouncing back with six consecutive wins, Zavec lost to Andre Berto in Biloxi, US, in September 2011, and to Keith Thurman in Brooklyn in March 2013.

Zavec has nevertheless retained his WBF super welterweight title, which means that he will have at least one more professional match.