The 31-year-old Eastman had not since losing a close points decision to American William Joppy whilst challenging for the WBA middleweight title in Las Vegas 11 months ago.

The current British and Commonwealth champion was fighting under new promoters Hennessy Sport after an unsuccessful period under Don King.

Eastman opened up with a big right upper cut followed immediately by another hard right, and a stinging overhand right sent his opponent to the canvas.

Charden was up at a count of five but he had sustained a nasty cut over his left eye.

And despite the African's protest, referee Lee Cook ruled it was bad enough to call an end to the contest.

Howard is now thought to be heading towards a meeting with Runcorn's WBF super middleweight champ Robin Reid.

Afterwards Eastman was quick to thank new promoter Mick Hennessy.

He said: "I am grateful for the opportunity to show my skills again and I am happy to be joining a team with so many promising fighters on its books.

"I need to keep busy now and I'll fight again before Christmas, the ring-rust won't take long to shake off."

Promoter Hennessy added: "Howard has proved he can compete at the highest level.

"He is a big powerful man and would have no problems stepping up to super middle regularly if that's the direction we chose to go."

In other fights on the bill, welterweight David Walker stopped Brett James in the fourth round to continue his progress.

Super-middleweight Carl Froch recorded a clinical six-round decision victory over Paul Bonson.

And middleweight Matthew Thirlwall, the final member of the 'Class of 2002' stable, stopped Jason Collins in the fifth round of a fiery contest.