BOLTON (England) July 17: British fighter Amir Khan marked his professional debut in stunning style on Saturday by stopping compatriot David Bailey in the first round.

The Olympic Games lightweight silver medallist twice had his more experienced opponent on the canvas with a blistering combination and the bout was then halted by the referee after just 109 seconds. The 18-year-old produced a devastating display to underline his potential in the paid ranks after thrilling his hometown crowd with a brief but brilliant display.

Khan floored his opponent twice before overwhelming him with his blurring hand speed and accuracy of his punches.

Bailey, 24, a car mechanic from London, had lost four of his seven fights before facing Khan and never posed a problem for the teenager.

Terrestial television covered the fight live after 6.3 million people tuned in to see Khan’s last amateur fight in May against Cuba’s Mario Kindelan, whom he beat on points to avenge his Olympics final defeat.

There was little sign the occasion got to Khan on Saturday, who was watched by a crowd of over 7,000 in the stadium.

Bailey was tagged by a right in the first 30 seconds and took a count of nine.

A short chopping right returned Bailey to the canvas for another count of nine midway through the round and the end seemed inevitable.

Bailey’s trainer Eugene Maloney threw in the towel to stop the fight, but the fight resumed.

The end was near, however, as Khan continued his ferocious assault and with Bailey cut above his right eye, referee Phil Edwards stopped the contest.

Meanwhile, British heavyweight Danny Williams dealt a blow to his own career after pulling out of his clash with reigning champion Matt Skelton on the same bill.

The Londoner claimed he had influenza, but promoter Frank Warren was left furious and reluctant to work with Williams again. Unbeaten Skelton, 38, defended his title against substitute opponent Mark Krence, who retired on his stool at the end of the seventh round.—AFP