Wednesday 13 December 2017 20:11, UK
Lawrence Okolie sent out a warning to cruiserweight rival Isaac Chamberlain with a second-round stoppage victory over Antonio Sousa.
The 24-year-old Hackney man has already signed a contract to face his fellow Londoner next year, with Chamberlain still negotiating terms, and he stayed on course for the grudge fight following a ruthless victory at York Hall.
Pumping out a stiff jab, Okolie quickly forced Sousa onto the back foot and the Portuguese opponent was dropped by a short right hand in the opening minutes.
Sousa clambered to his feet only to be dropped back to the canvas by another crisp right from Okolie, who was denied a first-round finish by the bell.
But the fight was mercifully waved off in the second round, with Sousa struggling to stay on his feet, and the referee stepped in after Okolie pounded his opponent back to his knees.
Speaking afterwards, Okolie directed a verbal attack at Chamberlain and his trainer Ted Bami, urging the Brixton man to accept a fight.
"I need to watch it back. I was happy with it," Okolie told Sky Sports.
"He and Ted Bami are two cowards!
"He's calling me his easiest fight, he's saying stuff online. Here's the fight in February, let's go."
