Tommy Coyle has beaten Martin Gethin to move closer to a match with friend and local rival Luke Campbell later this year.
Coyle's hopes of a bout with Olympic champion appeared to be in tatters in the second round when he was floored by a clean left hook.
The 25-year-old looked to be in trouble as his legs wobbled right up until the bell and Gethin edged closer to a possible stoppage.
Coyle recovered his composure and started to trouble his opponent with an array of shots.
However, Gethin was ahead on the scorecard in the fifth before a burst ear drum led to him retiring from the fight.
