Hunter is now undefeated in 27 contests

The Hartlepool puncher produced his trademark all-action style to wear down Kaya before knocking him out in the ninth round.

It was his third defence and keeps alive his dream of a world title fight.

Hunter was the stronger throughout the fight and finished off Kaya with a crunching left punch to his ribs.

The 28-year-old is ranked in the top 10 by all four major sanctioning bodies and is keen to move to the next level.

"I can raise my game to world level," he insisted. "Tuncay was up to the European level of fighters and that is what I have to overcome if I am going to go on from here.

"I don't get involved in that side of things, I just turn up and fight who is put in front of me. But I am not scared of anyone - I never have been.

I think I need a bit of a rest now Michael Hunter

"I will fight anyone, any time. If they bring me a world champion I'll fight him."

He began strongly, working purposefully behind the jab before slipping in a left uppercut midway through the first to set the tempo.

And by the second he had got the right working as well, with two straight shots in quick succession wobbling Kaya briefly for the first time.

The Frenchman caught the champion for the first time with a solid shot round the corner midway through the third but Hunter soon re-established control.

The crowd leapt to their feet in the sixth as Kaya hit the deck, only for the referee to rule, rightly, he had slipped.

FIVE LIVE VIEW I felt Hunter showed real grit and determination against an awkward opponent. If ever there is a style of fighter he would struggle against this was it. JD Five Live: Have your say

But Hunter proved the stronger with a punch that saw the challenger drop to his knees before he was beaten by the count in the ninth.

And Hunter says he will take a break from boxing as his hectic schedule is starting to takes its toll.

"I think I need a bit of a rest now," he added. "I have had three fights in four months and four fights in eight months.

"These fights have been so short coming so now I think we will take some time off."