Galal Yafai produced an explosive display to help the British Lionhearts to a dominant World Boxing Series victory over Morocco in London.
Yafai underlined his status as one of the world’s emerging light flyweights as he unloaded a demolition job on Yassine Zaher - who looked dazed from the moment the first jab landed.
The 24-year old’s quick feet and quicker hands repeatedly found his inexperienced opponent wanting and exposed.
He twice sent him back on his heels in the opening round before the referee disqualified the Moroccan for repeatedly spitting out his mouthguard, just under three minutes into the bout.
“I felt strong in there and while he’s not the best in the world, I did what I had to,” said Yafai, who reached the last 16 on his Olympic debut in Rio.
“It was quick but I just was looking to stay composed because in my last fight I got a bit drawn into it.
“I would have liked more than a round but it looks good on television. I feel really strong in there and very relaxed and composed.
“When I went to the Olympics I’d had 29 fights and I was up against guys with 100 bouts guys under their belt. I’m still a novice but I’m learning really quick. People are certainly starting to notice me.”
Nanjing Youth Olympic gold medallist Peter McGrail also produced an impressive victory as the bantamweight secured a points win over Redouane Khachfen.
McGrail, 20, now heads to next week’s under-22 European Championships in Romania brimming with confidence, while light-welterweight Conor Loftus also won his World Boxing Series debut against Youness Baati.
“He was a difficult opponent and I felt a bit rusty in there because I’ve been out the ring for a while,” said McGrail.
“I’ve got to be happy with that performance but I’m looking forward to watching it back because I already know some things I did wrong. It’s not a 10/10 but a win is a win but there’s room for improvement.
“I was hitting him with some good shots but he was tough in there. Towards the end I knew that I was hurting him but he managed to survive it and stay on his feet.
“I’m still young and my power is developing, if I give myself a couple more years then I’m going to be putting people like that away."
The British Lionhearts face further rivals from Italy and France in the weeks ahead as they try to improve on last year’s final defeat against the dominant Cuba Domadores in Uzbekistan.
Sportsbeat 2017