Tyson Fury eventually swept aside Nicolai Firtha in the fifth-round at the King’s Hall on Saturday night but only after a few worrying moments. And questions will still remain about the giant heavyweight as American Firtha had him rocking in the third round before Fury finally wore his opponent down for the fight to be stopped in the fifth round. Fury, who is now unbeaten in his 16 fights as a professional, admitted he had been in the wars after the encounter.

“It was a tough fight and I hope the Irish fight fans enjoyed an action-packed night. That’s heavyweight boxing for you. You get hit and you recover, it’s a test of fitness. He caught me on the side of the head while I was off balance but I was alright.

“He took some big shots and I’m glad that the referee stopped it when he did because sometimes injuries can occur at that point. All the people got behind me tonight and I’m very proud to be the first heavyweight headliner at the King’s Hall. Hopefully I can move on and do big things – like winning the world title."

And the 6ft 9 inch tall fighter says he has no problem with who he faces in the ring.

“I’m not avoiding anybody and I’ll fight whoever they put in front of me. I’m asking my manager to come back in November. I want to win the Irish title but it’s looking more and more likely that we can’t get an Irish opponent to face me.

“ Coleman Barrett doesn’t want to fight, neither does big Martin Rogan and I don’t think Kevin McBride wants to fight either. I like to keep busy, I’ll go back to the gym, watch the video and work on my defence. I could have made it easier tonight.

“I can stand off and box, use the jab and run around but I wanted to go in but I’m a fighting man and I came here to fight and entertain. It’s all up to Mick Hennessy and if he gets David Price over then so be it but whatever the fight I want to be over in Belfast. November 12 is being talked about and if I’m a any good I’ll win the fight whoever the opponent and if I’m not good then I’ll lose, it’s as simple as that.

“It’s hard to find a good heavyweight who wants to go out and fight. When I get my jab going, there’s not too many fighters who can touch me. I’m learning all the time and if I step up the opponent level then you’ll see more."