Hatton has produced some outstanding performances in recent fights, but the Manchester City fan was superb in his despatch of the former IBF lightweight champion.

Pendleton, 38, was sent to the canvas by a wicked left hook to the ribs and never had any chance of beating the count of referee Mickey Vann.

Hatton thus retained his WBU light-welterweight crown in quicker time than many had predicted.

He did just what he needed to do to impress the viewers of the American cable network Showtime.

And this performance can only make Stateside boxing devotees more aware of his body punching.

Hatton's hand speed was also impressive, and he found Pendleton's head into the bargain during a non-stop display of punching which earned him victory after two minutes and 40 seconds of round two.

Hatton, 23, said: "Everybody in boxing knows about Freddie Pendleton and he had achieved what I hope to achieve.

"I was offered four opponents but I picked Pendleton because he was the toughest and now I want to go on to win more versions of the title.

"I feel I am getting better with every training session and every fight."

Overhand right

Pendleton had campaigned in 77 previous bouts, and his hitting power was still in good working order.

From the first bell, Pendleton raced out and tried to land a big, trademark overhand right. But Hatton was ready and ducked.

Thereafter, it was one way traffic.

The champion began to sink home his body shots, with a left hook being particularly effective, and soon began to knock the resistance out of the American.

Pace and power

Round two was no different. In fact, Hatton upped the pace, continuing to attack Pendleton's midriff.

After one right to the ribs, Pendleton's mouth dropped open. He was feeling the pace and power, and moments later Hatton moved to the 26th victory of his career and 21st inside schedule.

The deciding left sent Pendleton crashing, rolling over and the Mancunian was celebrating his success before referee Vann completed the formalities.

Earlier, Eamonn Magee moved a step closer to his dream fight with Hatton, taking a landslide 119-111 points verdict over South Africa's Matthews Zulu.