Caleb Plant produced a knockout of the year contender in his emphatic victory over Anthony Dirrell - before producing an unsavoury celebration.
The former IBF super-middleweight champion, 30, was competing in his first fight since being stopped by Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in their undisputed bout last year.
But he displayed no ring rust in his return as he blasted out his American compatriot in the ninth round after landing a huge left hook.
The result puts him back into world title contention where he could secure a rematch with former foe Canelo.
And while he ended the contest against Dirrell in style, his celebration after the fight has left a bitter taste.
Seconds after the devastating blow, Plant stood next to Dirrell where he began to simulate digging his rival's grave with a shovel.
Referee Harvey Dock was quick to try and stop Plant from continuing his celebration with Dirrell receiving medical treatment as he laid sprawled across the canvas.
But Plant continued to do the gesture behind Dock's back as the camera panned to the motionless Dirrell.
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Commenting on his celebration, a commentator said: "Oh no, don’t do that. Don’t do that."
His co-host added: "Caleb frustrated from the histrionics throughout but you don’t want that."
Speaking in his post-fight interview, Plant remarked: "I’m sure all of you heard how he (Dirrell) hates me and how he said he will never let a white boy beat him.
"Let me tell you something – skin doesn’t win fights, skills win fights.
"And what I've got in here is more than he had.
"I was in full control the whole time, my coach kept telling me to stay patient, don't listen to the crowd, stick to the gameplan.
"And that's what we did and then, boom baby!"
Plant was competing on the undercard of Deontay Wilder's clash against Robert Helenius at the Barclays Center in New York.
The Bronze Bomber made a winning return on his comeback as he knocked out his Finnish opponent in the first round.
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