The eight-round bout against Cuban Eliseo Castillo was something of a first test for Lebedev ahead of what looks like a stunningly bright career.

“Today is somewhat of a birthday for Denis Lebedev. He is becoming a true professional boxer. His opponent had won 20 out of 22 professional bouts. And he lost just two, one of which was to Wladimir Klitchko. So Castillo is a very strong boxer and today we will get an answer to the question: Who is Mr. Lebedev?” Vladimir Khrunov, Lebedev’s promoter, said before the fight.

The Cuban Boxer was the most experienced opponent Lebedev has faced to date.

In his prime, Eliseo Castillo won the North American WBO cruiserweight title as well as the WBC Latino crown, but all that was back in 2006 so this fight was certainly a test for him as well.

A test he took quite well in the opening round. Both fighters were a little reserved in the beginning, looking for faults in each other's defense, but still managed to connect.

After the second and third rounds, it was still neck and neck. It was the fifth round that decided the entire bout and gave increased hope to another world title for Russia.

Cuban Castillo experienced his first stand count after less than 30 seconds into what turned out to be the last round.

The second knock down came after southpaw Lebedev used his stronger left to floor Castillo.

It was obvious at this point that Lebedev did not want to waste any more time and the special forces officer charged in like there was no tomorrow. Castillo, was clearly too exhausted at that stage to offer much resistance, giving the referee little choice but to stop the contest.

“I want to become the world champion. That's it. I really want it. I had an opportunity four years ago but I stopped boxing. This is my last chance. I really want to become the world champion,” Denis Lebedev said.

It is the twelfth TKO for Lebedev, and his 17th win in total.