James DeGale has successfully defended his WBC silver super-middleweight belt after beating Stjepan Bozic in five rounds.
The veteran Croatian, whose corner pulled him out after the fifth round, rarely had an answer to the Briton's sharp combinations and quick footwork.
The former Olympic champion was quick out of the blocks, targeting Bozic's body throughout the opening rounds, while still managing to stay out of range himself.
DeGale landed a couple of low blows to his opponent, one of which caused Bozic to take a minutes rest during the third. It seemed to spark him into life, though, as both men exchanged punches on the ropes.
The home favourite delighted the Bluewater crowd after that, increasing his hand speed and landing several telling combinations on his opponent, who struggled to deal with him during the fourth and fifth.
Shortly after the bell for the end of round five, Bozic's corner called an end to the contest, giving DeGale his sixth consecutive victory since a 2011 loss to fierce rival George Groves.
Daniel Cross
