Quigg was awarded the WBA super-bantamweight title and defended it with a draw against Yoandris Salinas last month, but he kick-started his reign with an explosive victory in Manchester.

The Bury man quickly found his range, landing a looping hook in the opening seconds before unleashing a sharp right hand later in the opener.

Silva suddenly seemed fragile as Quigg upped his assault and an uppercut followed by a body shot sent the Argentine crumpling to the canvas.

He rose unsteadily to his feet, but Quigg finished his foe in dramatic fashion as a ferocious right hook robbed Silva of his senses.

Referee Terry O’Connor quickly waved off the fight as Silva lay prone on the canvas and he thankfully was helped to his feet after a few minutes.

Quigg admitted he was determined to show that he is a worthy world champion.