LOS ANGELES — Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, a rising star in Mexico, continued his ascent with a spectacular third-round knockout of veteran Carlos Baldomir on the Shane Mosley-Sergio Mora card Saturday at Staples Center.

Alvarez (34-0-1, 26 KOs) hurt Baldomir (45-13-6, 14 KOs) with a number of punches toward the end of the final round but it was a straight left that put the Argentine on his face and ended the fight.

Baldomir, who had been KO'd only once before, was able to get to his feet but was too wobbly to continue.

Baldomir was a good test for the 20-year-old from Guadalajara because of his experience and awkward style. However, Alvarez, mature beyond his years and much quicker than Baldomir, patiently outboxed his 39-year-old foe and landed more and more hard punches as the fight progressed.

Baldomir, who has one of the best chins in boxing, took most of the big shots but was slowly worn down. Alvarez hurt Baldomir with several punches before the final blow.