Gomez had engaged himself in double training stints to build up his strength and fitness after a viral infection, and the extra zip and stamina were obvious from the start.

The champion stood toe-to-toe with the Scot, who was prepared to trade blows with Gomez but came off second best from the opening bell.

Docherty, who entered the ring with a T-shirt pronouncing "new British champion", did his best to stem the tide, but it was a night when Gomez would not be denied.

And half-way through that session, Gomez opened out with both fists, landing with at least six solid shots to the challenger's head.

That opened a route to victory and blood poured from a cut on Docherty's right cheek.

When he moved away from Gomez's fire, he was caught with another right flush to the chin and referee Terry O'Connor called a halt.

It was an impressive display for Gomez, already the winner of a Lonsdale Belt outright, and promoter Frank Warren said after the successful fourth title defence: "Two more fights and it's then a challenge for a world title."