Cletus Seldin continued his march towards a world title fight as he crushed Jesus Selig in the first round of their battle of the big punchers at The Paramount in Huntington, New York.

Nicknamed The Hebrew Hammer, the 29-year-old light-welterweight secured his 19th victory - and his 16th inside the distance - as he battered Selig to the canvas twice in the opening round to retain his WBC Silver 10st title.

Selig climbed off the floor after taking a big right hand but the fight was stopped when he was floored again with 11 seconds of the opening session remaining after Seldin landed a devastating KO blow.

The referee did not even begin the count as he went to the stricken Mexican’s aid.

It was a second opening round victory for New York-born Seldin, who marks his Jewish heritage by wearing the Star of David on his shorts, since returning this year from a second lay-off following shoulder surgery.

He showed he had lost none of his punching power by knocking out Puerto Rican Orlando Vazquez after two minutes 40 seconds of the first round in March and took just 11 seconds longer to dispose of 34-year-old Selig who was considered a threat after compiling a record of 19 wins, including 12 knockouts, in 23 previous fights.