But the stoppage of the fight was marred by confusion, as referee John Coyle was floored himself while attempting to haul the former heavyweight champion away from Savarese.

Tyson, who has been disqualified in the past for biting an opponent's ear and has also hit fighters after the end of a round, showed that he has still to learn about self-control in the ring.

With Savarese in serious trouble, he brushed the referee out of the way, seemingly a man intent on causing destruction. Despite condemnation from ring legends such as Jim Watt and Barry McGuigan, it appears that the 33-year-old will not be punished for his transgressions.

Damage

The initial damage had been done by a left hook, which put Savarese on the seat of his pants in the first 12 seconds.

Savarese looked shaken upon rising, but was given the chance to carry on.

But a procession of hooks and uppercuts had him in trouble again and it was no surprise that Coyle decided enough was enough, even after such a short time.

Disappointed

Tyson v Savarese

12 seconds: Tyson floors Savarese with a left hook 38 seconds: Referee John Coyle calls a halt, although he is knocked to the floor by a Tyson hook Seconds later, the fight is stopped, as Tyson's trainer Tommy Brooks grabs the fighter to assure him the contest is over

The speed of the win disappointed the large Scottish crowd, who had loudly cheered Tyson when he was introduced.

Despite destroying his opponent in such quick time, the win will do nothing to convince the sceptics that Tyson is back to his best. Savarese's quality as an opponent was questioned before the fight and his inability to take any kind of punch suggests that he was handpicked to ensure that the Tyson express was not derailed.

Tyson's record improves to 48 wins, three defeats and one no contest. His fallen opponent suffered his fourth defeat, with 39 wins.

Tyson's promoter Frank Warren was at the fight, and was briefly pictured next to the boxer, despite reports earlier in the week about a bust-up between the two men.

Warren refused to answer questions about the alleged incident, except to say that he was issuing legal proceedings against a newspaper.