Darkie Smith, working in his son's corner, entered the ring in the second round and pushed referee Mickey Vann, earning his son an instant disqualification.

The trainer claimed that his son, who had just been floored by a series of bodyshots, had been the recipient of an elbow and a headbutt.

The fight had been one-sided while it lasted, with Hatton scoring a knockdown in the first round as well.

It was Smith's second loss in 33 fights while Hatton remains unbeaten after 30 bouts.

The beaten fighter's father explained his actions later.

"Boxing used to be a clean decent sport," said Darkie Smith.

"I saw my fighter nutted twice.

"If they want to ban me from boxing they can. I'm finished with it.

"I can't stand the Mickey Vann's of this world."

Promoter Frank Warren said that the beaten fighter's purse of about �70,000 would be withheld.

In the chief supporting bout of the evening, Anthony Farnell avenged his loss to Ruben Groenewald in June with a split decision victory.