Maddalone, 38, was bleeding badly from a cut to the face in the fourth round before the referee stopped the fight 1.53 into the 5th round.

"I actually called the referee over, because he is a tough guy but he was taking some real shots," said Fury.

The Manchester-born fighter, who had to work behind a constant flurry of Maddalone jabs, added: "I was throwing some combinations and I was enjoying it."

The TKO means that Fury may be looking for a world title.

The 36-year-old Klitschko now predicts a heavyweight world championship bout with Fury within the next 12 months.

"I think we could end up fighting very soon. Probably in the next year."