Judah was back to his best to defend his WBC, WBA and IBF belts

The New Yorker stopped Rivera in the third round after a flurry of punches left the Mexican reeling.

Judah made his intentions clear from the outset, putting Rivera on the canvas in the opening seconds.

The Mexican could not land a punch as southpaw Judah delivered a masterclass in fast and furious boxing.

I want Oscar De La Hoya Zab Judah

Judah improved his record to 34-2 with 25 knockouts as he inflicted a first defeat on Rivera in four years.

The American has had to rebuild his career after he being suspended for six months following an outburst after losing to Kostya Tszyu in 2001.

Judah will now look to take on Oscar de la Hoya.

"This was not a fight I picked. It was a mandatory," he said of the Rivera bout.

"I want Oscar De La Hoya. I want to prove I am the best fighter in the world."

Meanwhile, ex champion Will Grigsby dethroned Victor Burgos by unanimous decision to claim the IBF light flyweight title.

The 35-year-old Grigsby (18-2-1, 7 KOs) landed the sharper punches and kept Burgos (37-14-3, 22 KOs) from fighting his normal aggressive fight.