Former World Boxing Association super middleweight champion Anthony Mundine has become the first man in 11 years and the first Australian to stop tough New Zealander Sean Sullivan.

In his first fight since losing the WBA title to Manny Siaca last May, Mundine punished the durable Kiwi until referee Brian McMahon stopped the bout 47 seconds into the 10th round at E G Whitlam Centre at Liverpool on Wednesday night.

Several other Australians, including Danny Green, Shannan Taylor, Nader Hamdan and Sam Soliman had all been taken the distance by Sullivan whose only previous stoppage loss in 66 professional fights was back in 1993.

The Australian led by seven, nine and 11 points on the judges' cards at the time of the stoppage.

Recently returned from a stint training with American superstar Roy Jones, Mundine looked sharp and was too quick and strong for his game opponent.

There were few surprises, apart from the unexpected appearance of Olympic track darling Jana Pittman as a round card girl after the first round.

More demurely dressed than the average ring card bearer, 400m hurdle world champion Pittman was one of several sporting luminaries in the crowd of around 3000.

Mundine, who out-pointed Sullivan over 12 rounds in Auckland 19 months ago, was more assertive.

Sullivan, who should be nicknamed "The Sponge" because of his ability to absorb punishment, was pummeled with jabs, hooks and body rips and was on the receiving end of numerous hurtful flurries.

The two fighters, good friends outside the ring, embraced before the final round, but one could have been forgiven for thinking Sullivan was Mundine's worst enemy as "The Man" smashed him mercilessly with a fusillade of blows.

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