Belfast's Anthony Cacace retained his IBO super-featherweight title with a ninth-round stoppage of Leigh Wood at Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena on Saturday.
It was a gripping battle between the two 36-year-olds, which appeared on a knife-edge until Cacace made the big breakthrough and he was in no mood to let the home favourite off the hook.
Wood is noted for his powers of recovery, highlighted by his remarkable come-from-behind victory over Michael Conlan three years ago in the same venue.
But this time it was beyond him with Cacace ruthlessly closing the show as Wood's corner threw in the towel just as it seemed referee John Latham was about to wave it off.
After the victory, the Northern Irishman's record now stands at 24 wins and one defeat from 25 fights.
Anthony Cacace's record is now 24-1
Wood began confidently off the jab as he sought to assert himself, but was snapped back on a couple of occasions from Cacace's right hands and again towards the end of the opener as there was a sense both men could land something decisive.
Neither could afford to get reckless as there was clear respect between the pair, but Wood walked into a right hand in the second round which made him think twice.
But he did get his best shot off in the dying seconds as he found a home for his own right hand which brought a respectful nod from Cacace.
