The Doncaster fighter - who has enjoyed so much success on the road over the past year - stopped Italian Rodrigo Bracco inside three rounds at the Doncaster Dome.

It was an impressive display from the 24-year-old former plasterer, as he took his professional record to 15-2-1.

McDonnell was happy to use his longer reach to probe away with his jab in the opening two rounds, comfortably keeping the 30-year-old Bracco at arms length.

But when he went fully on the offensive towards the end of the third round, the fight ended surprisingly quickly.

Staggering

Bracco was quickly staggering under the weight of shots to both head and body and his legs had clearly gone as he reeled around the ring.

McDonnell had his man trapped on the ropes and was about to unleash further punishment when the referee rightly stepped in to end the contest two minutes and 53 seconds into the third round.

A delighted McDonnell told Sky Sports: "I'm over the moon. It became an easy fight. He's only small and I felt like I was destroying him with the jab.

"I got caught with a few when I started letting go but you are going to get caught with one or two, so I am well pleased with that performance."