Eastman is eyeing another world title shot

Eastman retained his British, Commonwealth and European middleweight titles with a big right uppercut, prompting referee Larry O'Connell to stop the increasingly one-sided contest.

But the 26-year-old challenger from Plymouth, who beat Delroy Leslie in an eliminator to earn his shot, put up staunch early resistance.

Dann landed two good early left hands to shade the opening period before an equally impressive second round.

But Battersea's Eastman decked Dann early in the third before wading in again to force a stoppage and secure the win.

I am ready to fight Hopkins now Howard Eastman

Eastman controversially lost his first world title attempt to William Joppy in November 2001.

He is now keen for either a re-match with Joppy or a crack at undisputed middleweight king Bernard Hopkins.

Eastman said: "Scott Dann was a tough and brave kid and I needed to be spectacular tonight.

"But that was not the best of Howard Eastman. As the opponents get better I move up a gear.

"I am ready to fight Hopkins now. I don't care if it is here or if it is back in America. I am not scared of going over there and bringing the title back to Britain."

Earlier, former WBO champion Herbie Hide beat Derek McCafferty in his first fight for 18 months.

Hide wins despite jeers

Referee Terry O'Connor waved off the one-sided heavyweight contest one minute and 20 seconds into the seventh round.