Fighting in front of his local crowd at the Maesteg Sports Centre, Cook was always firmly in control against a French opponent who did not punch hard enough to discourage the champion.

After landing punishing body shots in the first four rounds, Cook pinned his man into a neutral corner during the early stages of the fifth round.

A series of hooks, one which hit Lakrib high on the forehead, made the Frenchman slowly sink to his knees.

The referee called a halt at that stage and the beaten man showed his disapproval at the decision, suggesting he could have continued.

It was Lakrib's fourth defeat in 17 fights, while Cook, who beat Italian Sandro Casamonica in San Mango d'Aquino, improves to 19 wins from 20 fights.