After his knockout win against Randall Bailey, Diobelys Hurtado looked like the goods. The only two losses of his professional career had come at the hands of Pernell Whitaker and Kostya Tszyu. Hurtado had knocked down Whitaker twice before "Sweet Pea" knocked him senseless in the 11th, and he also dropped Tszyu twice before Tszyu stopped him in the fifth.

Four knockdowns in two fights against the elite of two divisions, and then a body shot kayo against Bailey - a legitimate contender. Hurtado looked like a guy who would beat all but the very best.

Vivian Harris always looked like he would develop into a solid contender. He did not at first however, looked like a potential division elite. He was quick, but not lightning fast. He was not feather-fisted, and yet he did not seem to possess fight-turning punching power. He was skilled, and showed improvement from fight to fight, but he did not have the look of a guy who could compete with the sport's sweetest scientists.

And yet not only did Harris beat Hurtado this last Saturday night, but by knocking him out in the second round, he beat him in more dominating fashion than either Whitaker or Tszyu did.

After a fast, competitive first round, Harris connected with a left hook that drove Hurtado's back to the ropes. Next came a straight right hand that dumped Hurtado on the canvass. Diobelys rose, but on unsteady legs and the fight was stopped. Harris himself then dropped to his hands and knees in celebration.

Facing tough opposition at critical, developmental stages in his career, Harris has thus far maximized his potential. His first good opponent was once-beaten Gary St. Clair, and Harris handed him his second defeat, winning a decision. His next significant opponent was Ray Oliveira. Against Oliveira, Harris suffered his first and thus far only pro loss - on points and unanimously.

But "Vicious" Vivian learned from the experience and it made him a better fighter. He came back with a win against Ivan Robinson, in a fight that was officially declared a draw. He followed that performance with a third round knockout of Golden Johnson. And now he has knocked out Hurtado.

So Harris is not undefeated, but he is among the best 140-pounders in the world. He did not look like a sure thing, but sure enough, here he is, in line for a payday against any one of the top guys in his talent-laden division. And when that big payday fight comes, Harris will not show up to simply collect a paycheck. He will be as prepared as possible. So 140-pounders beware, but boxing fans rejoice. The dangerous junior welterweight neighborhood just got even tougher.

Max Kellerman is a studio analyst for ESPN2's Friday Night Fights.