The Battersea fighter now holds three titles, having entered the ring as the holder of the British and Commonwealth championships.

The dominance of his performance was enough to convince McCracken to announce his retirement from activities in the ring.

The Birmingham man will now pursue a career as a trainer, one which he had begun in recent years.

In what had been one of the best contests seen in a British ring for some time, Eastman's advantage in power was the crucial factor.

It was an eye-catching right uppercuts which drew the fight to its close, with McCracken sinking to his knees.

He rose at four, but referee Dave Parris waved the fight over soon after completing the mandatory eight-count.

McCracken had given everything in the encounter, but had failed to establish an advantage in any area.

The winner also preserves his position as leading contender for the World Boxing Association crown held by America's William Joppy.

Eastman and McCracken were involved in a ringside scuffle at a promotion in Hull in February, but there was no nasty hangover from that here.

"This is business, its not personal. I had to hype it up," said Eastman after the fight.

"I like Robert, I've worked with him in the past. I've got a lot of ability, and it doesn't worry me if people don't support me because that fuels me."

It was McCracken's first bout since losing a WBC title challenge against Keith Holmes last April.

The 32-year-old showed much courage as Eastman's shots became more telling in the later stages before the stoppage.

Evidence of Eastman's blows was manifested by McCracken's swollen left eye.

He kept trying to claw the title his way, but Eastman would never allow him any prolonged moments of dominance.

The unbeaten Eastman began at a fast pace, but McCracken stayed with him, and going into the second half of the fight was keeping the champion in check on the scorecards.

However, Eastman pulled away from the sixth onwards and it became a question of whether McCracken would make it to the final bell.

McCracken had done himself proud during a career of 33 wins and just two losses, spending a good deal of his career in American rings.