WATCH: Tony Bellew fires stunning shot to down BJ Flores and retain title at the first time of asking

They often say that you can't be considered a champion until you defend your title.

Well there's no doubting Tony Bellew's champion status after he required just three rounds to dispatch the first challenger for his world cruiserweight title on Saturday night in the Echo Arena. Liverpool's Bellew finished opponent BJ Flores in the third round with a jarring left hook and wasted no time at all in crying out for his next opponent. Flores enjoyed the better of the early exchanges as he popped his jab and was all round the more active fighter for three minutes but once the ring card girl took her seat after the opening frame, it was a different fight entirely. Bellew came out looking to prove the accuracy of his nickname by dropping bombs on his American challenger. Flores was downed early in the second when, looking towards the referee to complain about a low shot, he was caught by the power of Bellew and hit the deck. He was down again twice more before the bell rang to signal the end of two and looked truly shaken by the shots he'd fallen victim to. Flores wouldn't have to take much more damage though as Bellew put him away in clinical style after catching his breath following his second round flurry and unloading once more in the third to put Flores away. 'The Bomber' then made a beeline for David Haye, who was sat ringside, before he was dragged back between the ropes to conduct what would turn out to be an unforgettable interview.

Just in case you missed it - Tony Bellew's 3rd round KO on BJ Flores he then shouts abuse at David Haye ? pic.twitter.com/K3QtjGZBLh

— TheStreamKing (@TeamStreamKing) October 15, 2016

"You see him? He's been conning the British public since that pathetic comeback of his," Bellew said, pointing in the direction of Haye. "Listen to me right now. David, let's be totally honest. Those two guys you just fought, they're in town now. They're actually working on nightclub doors or they're putting the bins away. Those two guys you fought last were a joke. "And you're robbing everybody who pays to come in the arena. You predicted BJ was going to beat me, didn't you? And he got smashed. "You're going to get smashed too. I don't care how dangerous you think you are. We remember what happened when I was at amateur and you were fighting for the British title. Me and Pricey spanked you in the gym. https://twitter.com/TeamStreamKing/status/787411606493859844 "And with 10oz. gloves on boy, I'll put you and that pathetic haircut to sleep." We're certainly not opposed to the idea of seeing them go at it. Catch up with the latest episode of Football Friday Live