Unbeaten British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi knocked out Latvian Ricards Bolotniks in the 11th round to extend his winning run to 15 fights.
The 28-year-old staked his claim for a world title shot with the 13th KO of his career in the WBA eliminator.
Buatsi dropped his opponent with a left hook in the sixth round and remained in charge until clinching victory with a powerful right-hander.
“He pushed me every round. He’s a great champion,” said Buatsi.
“It was a good hard fight and I’m glad I managed to close the show.”
Buatsi, a 2016 Olympic bronze medallist managed by world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, put in a controlled performance at Matchroom’s Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex.
“That was methodical. That was the new-look Buatsi,” said BBC Radio 5 live pundit Steve Bunce.
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