Eastman has lost just once in 39 fights

Eastman was given a good workout by the former WBC title holder, but dominated the encounter to enhance his reputation in the division.

A confident-looking Eastman wasted no time getting into his stride in the opening rounds, picking the Frenchman off gradually with jabs that Cherifi struggled to deal with.

A right-left to the head late in the third backed Cherifi to the ropes and by the fifth the challenger had picked up a nick to his left eyebrow that eventually caused him to retire.

A weakening Cherifi was rocked by a solid left in the sixth which left him with a badly bloodied nose, and the French title holder was clearly running out of steam.

This will send out a message to William Joppy and Bernard Hopkins Howard Eastman

Gradually frustrated by his inability to get past Eastman's busy jab, it came as no real surprise when Cherifi's corner retired their man at the end of the eighth round.

Despite the convincing nature of his victory Eastman felt he had been pushed hard but the Frenchman.

He said: "Cherifi was no mug fighter, he's been in with the best in the world, he's proven world class but I'm a better fighter than he is.

"This will send out a message to William Joppy and Bernard Hopkins.

"They may think that they can beat me but hopefully we'll see very soon. I believe I'm the best in the world."

Eastman's only defeat in 39 pro fights now came when he was edged out on points by Joppy in November 2001 while challenging for the vacant WBA title.