Arthur had too much in his locker for brave Docherty

The home town fighter floored his Glasgow rival in the ninth round after a dominant display.

After a sluggish opening, Arthur picked up the pace and had a greater variety of punches at his disposal.

As the fight wore on, the blood-soaked Docherty was forced to soak up some brutal punishment.

Arthur, who lost the British title to Michael Gomez in 2003, now also holds the Commonwealth belt that used to belong to Docherty.

This is the best win of my career and Craig is the best fighter I've ever fought Alex Arthur

It was a powerful body shot that brought Docherty to his knees in the ninth round.

The damage had been done in the fourth round, when a flurry of impressive punches left Docherty with a broken nose and struggling for breath.

Docherty stood his ground bravely but Arthur looked a class apart and picked off the Glaswegian with ease.

Arthur is now likely to turn his attention to European holder Boris Sinitsin, who beat Docherty by a majority decision in October 2004.

Gomez was ring-side at the Meadowbank Sports Centre and was seen taunting Arthur after the fight.

But Arthur appeared to rule out a re-match with the Mancunian, saying: "Gomez has little to offer these days."

Arthur and Docherty have been friends since their junior days and the winner was quick to praise his beaten opponent.

"This is the best win of my career and Craig is the best fighter I've ever fought," said Arthur.

"The way he fought was unbelievable.

"Craig's future is there for him, he is easily the next best super-featherweight to myself."