Tony Bellew stayed on course for a world title shot with a fifth-round stoppage win over Arturs Kulikauskis in Leeds.
The Liverpudlian has been pursuing a fight with IBF cruiserweight champion Yoan Hernandez and he remains in contention after pounding the Latvian to a halt at the First Direct Arena.
Marching forward in the first round, Bellew quickly landed a straight right which sent Kulikauskis scuttling back into a corner.
The former British light-heavyweight champion was paying little attention to any of his opponent's clipping punches as he thudded home shots from close quarters.
Bellew continued his steady assault in the second round, bullying Kulikauskis to the ropes as he attempted to blast through his defences with clubbing hooks.
But his slippery foe was refusing to wilt easily and Bellew only briefly troubled him with a right hand in a scrappy third round.
There was more thought from the 'Bomber' during the fourth round and he offered feints before unloading his heavy armoury.
Kulikauskis could no longer hold Bellew at bay in the fifth and the referee stepped in after a prolonged barrage of punches.
"He was awkward and tricky I touched him a few times and he got on his toes," Bellew told Sky Sports. "There is nothing wrong with getting rounds.
"I'll be back soon with a big fight please."