BETHLEHEM, Pennsylvania – Julian Gonzalez’s power was too much Friday night for the previously unbeaten southpaw who was supposed to be the toughest opponent of the 21-year-old, 130-pound prospect’s career.

Gonzalez (9-0-1, 9 KOs), of Reading, Pennsylvania, dropped Rosalindo late in the first round and stopped him in the fourth round of their scheduled eight-rounder at Wind Creek Event Center. Referee Shawn Clark halted the action 27 seconds into the fourth round, while a bloodied Morales remained on his feet.

The 29-year-old Morales, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, lost for the first time as a pro (9-1, 2 KOs). Morales protested the stoppage, but Clark was concerned that he had taken too much punishment.

Showtime aired Gonzalez’s impressive victory as the opener of a “ShoBox: The New Generation” tripleheader.

Gonzalez violently snapped back Morales’ head with a right hand 19 seconds into the fourth round. That shot made Clark take a close look at Morales, who held Gonzalez to stop him from punching.

Clark stopped the fight as soon as they separated from that clinch.

Gonzalez’s work rate slowed down in the third round, when Morales had some success until Gonzalez backed him into the ropes and landed power punches just before the third round concluded.

After getting knocked down and nearly out just before the opening round ended, Morales tried trading with Gonzalez during the second round.

A flush left hook by Gonzalez made Morales lose his balance with just over 30 seconds on the clock in the second round. Morales held Gonzalez as the second round came to a conclusion.

Gonzalez drilled Morales with a right hand that knocked him flat on his back just before the bell sounded to end the first round. Morales struggled to get to his feet, but he beat Clark’s count.

Morales stumbled as he tried to answer Clark’s commands, but the round was over and Clark allowed Morales to continue.

A ringside physician took a close look at Morales, who bled from his nose, as he sat on his stool.

Less than 10 seconds before the shot that sent Morales to the canvas, Gonzalez landed a flush right hand, but Morales came forward. Gonzalez previously landed a right and then a left as Morales backed into the ropes with just over 1:10 to go in the opening round.

Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for krikya360.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.