Classy Mark Lloyd provided the only glimmer of light in a dark, disappointing night for Telford’s band of professional fighters, as he drained the resistance from game Martin Marshall on a bill of high drama and upsets.Lloyd gave a thoroughly business-like display on Saturday at The Place in Oakengates to pound the ambition from Marshall, forcing the demoralised Sunderland light-middle to quit after eight, one-sided rounds.

For what it’s worth, the 32-year-old, from Shifnal, successfully defended the International Masters light-middleweight crown – one of the more spurious belts in a sport now littered with titles that hold little meaning for the man on the street.

In victory, unbeaten Lloyd showed he has the tools to contest for more prestigious belts – and he has his eyes firmly set on a British title.

Lloyd – plumber by day, puncher by night – ensured there was no such high drama in his expert dismantling of Marshall, softening up his plucky opponent with short, stiff jabs before unloading the heavy ammo.

Marshall was pulled out by his corner after eight, one-sided rounds, suffering from ‘exhaustion’ – testament to the venom behind Mark’s rib-bending body shots.

Lloyd has been pencilled in as a future opponent for former British light-middleweight challenger Andrew Facey, but insisted after the fight that his future is at welterweight. “I think I’ll be stronger at the lighter weight,” he said. “I felt good tonight – very comfortable. I could feel him weakening from the third and new it was only a matter of time. I didn’t want to rush things.”

Manager Errol Johnson was full of praise for his charge. “He didn’t lose a round. Mark can fight for a British title. He wants to do it at welter, but I don’t want to lose the ranking we’ve got at light-middle.”

Lloyd, looking in superb condition at 11st (the same as his opponent), simply walked Marshall down, stalking his taller foe before doubling and tripling the jab.

Marshall flurried at times, but by as early as the third Martin’s work had an air of desperation. Lloyd caught him with a cracking right hand in the second and ended the session blazing forward with both fists.

Marshall had his best moments in the third when two looping right hands earned Lloyd’s respect, but had to endure more body shots.

The Sunderland fighter ended the fifth nicked over the left eye and by the six was starting to fall apart as Mark opened him up with a surgeon’s precision. He was forced to retreat after being belted flush by a succession of right hands.

Lloyd dominated the seventh behind his jab and, despite being caught with a neat left hook, decided to close the show in the eighth. Marshall ended the session taking stick against the ropes and the retirement was well-timed.

By Mike Lockley