Josh Taylor took a significant step in his professional career with a fifth-round stoppage of Dave Ryan to win the vacant Commonwealth super lightweight belt at Meadowbank Arena.

After flooring the more experienced man from Derby in round three, the 25-year-old former Commonwealth Games gold medallist from Prestonpans finished it off in the fifth to capture his first senior title.

Taylor went into the ring with six straight victories, none of which had gone beyond two rounds, but looked the part when extended against his 33-year-old opponent.

The Scot's manager Barry McGuigan had admitted that Ryan, former Commonwealth champion and WBC international champion, represented a step up for his fighter but it was one he took in impressive style.

Amid a terrific din, Taylor delivered a couple of punishing right hands to the ribs of Ryan in round one as both boxers found their range.

A confident second round for the Scot came before he entered the new territory of a third round and he soon had Ryan on the canvas with a left hook, the Englishman taking a count before continuing.

There was a heavy swelling over Ryan's left eye which further encouraged Taylor, who remained mostly on the front foot, catching his opponent with another brutal body shot at the end of the fourth round.

The fans were warming to the talents of Taylor, who was bossing the man in the opposite corner and unleashing a variety of scoring shots.

Ryan's belief appeared to be draining by the round as the home fighter breached his defence with increasing regularity. The fifth round was one too many for the older man.

He had to take a standing count of eight when he was sent to the ground with another body shot and Taylor sensed the fight was there for the taking and went in to finish it.

Ryan was up against the ropes and subjected to a barrage of punches before the referee stepped in to stop further punishment, with Taylor and his supporters roaring with joy.