Enzo Maccarinelli suffers first-round defeat to Dmytro Kucher

The Welshman, 35, began with reasonable promise as he landed his jab, but having been left unsteady by a powerful left hand was heavily sent to the canvas by further lefts and rights.

His obvious struggle to return to his feet left trainer Gary Lockett preparing to throw in the towel before - when Maccarinelli was again upright - Italian referee Giuseppe Quartarone waved the action over after two minutes and 48 seconds.

Former world champion Maccarinelli had done much to revive his career, since working with Lockett, having suffered a run of four stoppage defeats in eight fights starting with the 2008 loss to David Haye. The latest, combined with his age, leaves him with few remaining options.

Friday's fight for the vacant title was delayed for several minutes with both fighters in the ring until a car blocking in the on-site ambulance was moved.