Scott Lawton's European super-featherweight title challenge fell flat on Friday evening when he was outclassed by Leva Kirakosyan in Stoke-on-Trent.
The French-based Armenian dismissed the local fighter inside three rounds with Lawton soon discovering he was out of his depth at the Fenton Manor Sports Complex.
Lawton, who has suffered defeats against Amir Khan and John Murray, is now left to ponder his future after his latest crushing setback.
He was felled less than a minute into the bout and, following a sharp left-hander, referee Soren Saugmann gave him a standing eight count at the end of round two.
With the visiting fighter sensing victory, he continued his controlled and articulate assault with a flurry of big hits and the contest was stopped just 21 seconds into the third round.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the clash, Lawton said: "We knew the dangers. We knew he was a big hitter but I let one get through and that was the end really.
"I've achieved a lot in the sport and don't know if there's anywhere else for me to go, really. I'll have to just see."