WATCH: Dramatic knockout victory for Joe Ward in New York

Joe Ward's first bout this year ended in dramatic fashion on Friday night, as the Moate man recorded a knockout win against Derrick Webster in New York City.

The bout at Madison Square Garden was waved off by the referee with 36 seconds remaining in the second round, after Ward had floored his American opponent with a huge straight left.

Although the Westmeath boxer had been expected to win against his 41-year-old opponent, the eye-catching manner of this victory will help boost his profile in the US as he bids to move up the ladder in the light heavyweight division.

You can see the punch that ended the contest here:

Webster, who had a record of 29 wins, four defeats, and one draw heading into the bout, was knocked down on three occasions in total.

Midway through the second round, this sharp combination from Ward sent him to the canvas:

After an extremely accomplished career as an amateur boxer, Ward turned professional in 2019.

The win last night means his record as a pro now stands at 11 wins and one defeat, with seven of those wins coming inside the distance.

Half of Ward's first eight wins as a professional were on points, but he has been displaying a more ruthless streak lately and has won each of his last three fights by stoppage inside two rounds.

Last night's bout was on the undercard of a boxing show headed by Cork super welterweight Callum Walsh, who defeated Kazakhstan's Dauren Yeleussinov by ninth round stoppage in the main event.