Former WBC super-welterweight champion Oscar de la Hoya outclassed Steve Forbes, winning a unanimous decision in a 12-round bout in Los Angeles.
The 35-year-old won decisively 119-109, 119-109 and 120-108.
It was his first fight since losing to Floyd Mayweather on a split decision in May 2007 and De la Hoya is now set for a rematch on 20 September.
"It is personal and I am going to beat him (Mayweather). It's all about having the perfect game plan," he said.
The win improved his record to 39-5 with 30 knockouts.
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Although Saturday's non-title fight was widely regarded as a tune-up for his showdown with Mayweather, De la Hoya said he never under-estimated Forbes, a former IBF super featherweight champion.
"I never looked past Steve Forbes," he added.
"Obviously I was hoping for this outcome. I knew it was going to be a tough fight but I wanted to work on some things. I am going to fight 12 hard rounds come September."
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