Josh Kelly picked up his first major title in style after retiring Commonwealth champion Kris George at the Metro Radio Arena on Saturday.
The mercurial 24-year-old talent once again showcased his blistering hand speed and sensational timing before George's team pulled their man out of the contest after seven rounds of one-sided action.
The victory means the 2016 Rio Olympian wins the rainbow belt after just seven fights in the professional format.
'Pretty Boy' Kelly, intent on making his North East homecoming a memorable one, quickly got into his rhythm and, after stabbing out a stiff jab inside the first three minutes, he stunned the Australian champion with a jolting left hand to end a dominant opener.
With a buoyant home crowd roaring him on, Kelly, with his hands down by his side, confidently bobbed and weaved into range, firing shots from all angles as he stamped his authority on the welterweight contest in the next few.
The 28-year-old George continued to struggle with his counterpart's quick speed and he was further disheartened when 'Pretty Boy' upped the ante in the fourth, an eye-catching uppercut crashing home before two big shots finished the round in style.
As the fight reached its mid-rounds, the home favourite landed a thudding shot to the body but, despite his continuous admirable work, George showed few signs of being hurt.
That could not have been further from the truth though as, after a painful seventh for the champion, the Queensland man's team decided their man had taken enough damage and threw the towel in.
"I thought it was good pressure, but I just need to clean up on a few things," Kelly told Sky Sports afterwards.
"I think I got a bit complacent and I got caught in spots.
"I did feel I was getting to him. I took a few of his clean shots and nothing really fazed me."
Promoter Eddie Hearn added: "He's seven fights in and Adam (Booth) wants to move him fast. He's going to need the challenge of that next level.
"I'd like to take him over to the USA and box him over there, he has a massive future."