British cruiserweight Tony Bellew has floored Ivica Bacurin three times on the way to a late stoppage victory in Liverpool.

Bellew hadn't stepped into the ring since November last year when he defeated Nathan Cleverly, but the Liverpudlian showed little ring rust in a routine triumph over his Croatian opponent, who did well to make it into the final round.

After a quiet opening three minutes, Bellew dropped Bacurin in the second round with a left hook, but his opponent made it to the bell.

Bacurin also hit the canvas in the fifth session without Bellew landing a clean shot, but it was a sign that he was in survival mode despite the contest being fought at a mediocre pace.

After entering the final stanza, it appeared as though Bellew would have to settle for a points win, but early in the 10th, he landed with a thunderous uppercut that forced the referee to step in to bring an end to the bout.