Dillian Whyte finally broke Ebenezer Tetteh's stubborn resistance with a seventh-round win in Gibraltar.
Whyte, who was returning to the ring for the first time since March, faced a tougher fight than expected from the energetic Tetteh, who withstood a series of powerful blows before being pulled from the fight before eight.
Whyte rocked Tetteh with a series of powerful punches in the opening round, sparking a violent response from the Ghanaian, who responded with wild, coiling hooks.
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Johnny Nelson takes a look at the first meeting between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury ahead of their rematch on December 21
The reckless confrontation continued into the second round, with Tetteh complaining in vain about body shots while exchanging shots with White at close range.
The pace dropped in the third period as White landed a short, straight right hand.
Tite charged forward in the fourth round and, despite blood dripping from his nose, briefly troubled White with a brutal attack.
White took control of the fifth round with a jab that did more damage to Tetteh's bloody features.
Rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury for the World Heavyweight Championship; The Riyadh Season event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday 21 December
A fierce attack from White put Tetteh in serious trouble in the sixth game, but the Briton slid to the canvas amid a missed hook and the referee ruled out the knockout.
Tetteh was nearly knocked down at the end of the seventh and escaped further punishment as the fight was stopped after he wearily returned to the corner.
The massive heavyweight rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will be broadcast on Saturday, December 21 on Sky Sports box office. Book Usyk v Fury 2 now!
