Hatton took the fight to his Australian opponent straight from the opening bell, unleashing an impressive barrage of punches to both body and head.

Rowsell was sent reeling through the ropes towards the end of the first round and was eventually stopped after just 36 seconds of round two.

The win took Hatton's record to 27 wins in 27 fights, five victories of which have come this year.

"From the opening seconds I could see in his face that the fight was over," Hatton said after his victory.

"I smothered my work a bit, I jumped on him a bit too quick and I hit him a bit early.

"A lot of nerves and expectation are involved before a fight and when you hurt someone that quick you sometimes do rush it a bit.

"But I have the confidence which comes from knowing I can back it up.

"The expectation puts a lot of pressure on you but it gives you a lot of pride when people say good things.

"The pressure would be more if I didn't think I can back it up, but I know I can. I don't have too many off-nights."

Promoter Frank Warren said Hatton will fight again in February, with a possible clash with Kostya Tszyu, who holds the WBC, WBA and IBF belts, taking place in September.

"The moment he (Warren) gives me the nod, those belts will be coming back to England," said Hatton.

"I would like to fight again soon and I would fight Tszyu tomorrow."