Unbeaten Welshman Nathan Cleverly claimed the European light-heavyweight title with a impressive victory over Italian Antonio Brancalion.
The 22-year-old floored the former European champion with two fierce right hooks at the end of the fourth round but Brancalion was saved by the bell.
Cleverly continued to do damage with the right in the fifth and the fight was stopped midway through the round.
It was Cleverly’s sixth successive knockout from his 19 career victories.
The first round at the Wembley Arena was relatively even but Cleverly started to exert his control in the second round as he u
Two straight rights in the third rocked the Italian as Cleverly exploited his chinks in his opponent’s defence, notably a low left hand.
Brancalion wobbled again in the fourth with Cleverly’s right hand again doing the damage, with the Welshman then varying his attacks by utilising the uppercut, a shot that has proved so successful for him in the past.
And two fierce rights at the end of the round floored the Italian who received a mandatory eight count but was ultimately saved by the bell.
More punishment followed in the fifth and with nothing coming back from the 34-year-old Italian the fight was rightly stopped.
Cleverly can now add the European belt to his British and Commonwealth titles as he moves closer to a world title shot.
“I think it was mature performance, I decided to take my time and pick my shots and it was quite a quick finish as Brancalion is a tough guy,” said the Welshman.
“I need a bit more patience before I move up to world level and this is a good platform for me.
“My power is increasing and I’m developing all the time thanks to my step up in weight.”
A former student at Enzo Calzaghe’s world-renowned gym, Cleverly becomes only the seventh Welshman to hold all three belts.
pped the tempo.
