Dennis Hogan was well beaten by the undefeated Australian Tim Tszyu in their WBO Global Super Welter title bout in Australia.
The 36-old was hoping to get one last shot at a world title tilt but the Kildare native, now based in Brisbane was second-best on the night in Newcastle.
Tszyu, who is the son of former world champion Kosta Tszyu, was too powerful for Hogan and the writing was on the wall from the third round onwards.
Both fighters connected in the opening round as Tszyu looked to cut off the ring, while landing some effective shots to the body.
The second round was much better for Hogan, who had success with the overhand right and Tszyu was cut under the eyebrow after an accidental clash of heads.
The pre-fight favourite Tszyu took control in the third round and once again had success with some big body shots.
It was more of the same in the fourth with Hogan using his experience to survive but that's about all he was able to do.
The fight was all over in the fifth round when Hogan's corner threw in the towel after their fighter had already been down following a huge uppercut.
Tszyu just kept coming forward pummeling away to the body before the towel came in.
It's the third loss in a row for Hogan but all three defeats have come at the hands of quality opposition.
At 36-years of age, it remains to be seen if he wants to continue after carving out a successful professional career following his move to Australia.
Hogan was desperately unlucky to be on the wrong end of a questionable decision against Mexican Jaime Munguia in their world title bout in 2019.
As for Tszyu, the sky is the limit for the 26-year-old, who moves one step closer to becoming a world champion.
He will be line to challenge WBO light-middleweight champion Brian Castano.
