At the Manchester Arena in Manchester, James Tennyson was dropped and stopped as Mexico's Jovanni Straffon produced a stunning first round victory to claim the vacant IBO lightweight world title.

The Belfast man was stunned by an early onslaught from Straffon, who dropped Tennyson heavily and then forced referee Michael Alexander to wave the fight off after just two minutes and ten seconds.

Now Staffon wants to move forward with much bigger opportunities, possibly with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom.

“I dreamed about this several years ago," Straffon told Matchroom. "I know I was up against everything. I knew he was a very strong fighter. He called himself ‘The Assassin’, but he was assassinated. He punches hard, but nothing punches harder than life.

"It has been a very good year for Mexican boxing. There has been lots of surprises and upsets. I’m not really surprised about what happened. I have been well prepared for a year. I knew I was the big underdog but now I’m the winner.

"I would really like the opportunity to work with Eddie Hearn. I would like to thank my manager and promoter. I hope some really good things are coming my way. I believe I just won an opportunity to get some of the tough and big names out there. Don’t give up on anything, always keep on dreaming because dreams do come true.”