ROCKY Fielding defended his Commonwealth title with a ruthless first-round stoppage of Luke Blackledge.

Fielding had been forced to contend with late changes of opponent and the rugged Blackledge was expected to test the champion, but he swiftly finished the fight with a devastating display of punch power.

Blackledge, who has been sparring with Carl Froch, marched forward with plenty of purpose in the opener, but he was countered with crisp hooks from the Liverpudlian.

A big right hand forced Blackledge to hold on and Fielding finished the job in style as a clubbing left hook sent the Accrington man toppling to the canvas.

The badly hurt Blackledge never looked like beating the count and the referee quickly waved off the contest.