The decade-long pro delivered his sixth career knockout on May 22, having slimmed down from campaigning at cruiserweight to land this opportunity.

At the higher weight, he had fallen short on the road in Germany twice and on British shores but was determined to maximise a big break against his Polish opponent.

"The fight went exactly in the direction we wanted," D'Ortenzi (21-4, 6 KOs) told The Ring.

"We were ready and determined to seize this opportunity. Many believed he had an advantage over me, but few people truly understand boxing. In my heart, I knew he wasn't ready for me. He had never left his home, out of his comfort zone. I have. I cut my teeth fighting abroad, know what it means to be far from home and how to maintain 100% control of myself."

The 38-year-old saw his moment and executed it in the fight's penultimate round.

"At the start of the 11th round, I looked him in the eyes and he was gone," he recalled.

"It was my time. I hit him with a straight right and his legs buckled; I pounced and dropped him to the canvas with a right hook. He got up because Robert is a tough guy, but I was too hungry. I've been waiting 10 years for a chance like this; it was my moment. I hit him with a series of hard shots. I consider English referees the world's best and he did a fantastic job stepping in at the right time."

A key component to his recent success is the aforementioned change in weight class.

"I changed weight classes because I knew I was giving away too many kilograms to opponents on the international stage, but not anymore. The music has changed. I am the big guy in the ring now and my punches are extremely hard."

The Italian doesn't have time to waste and hopes to lure some of the sport's big names into facing him at 175 pounds.

"I am ready for anyone. Now I want a massive fight, a world title shot, the dream of a lifetime. I know I deserve it and still have another page of my history to write."

This marked D'Ortenzi's first appearance under the OPI Since 82 promotional banner and manager Christian Cherchi said they're proud of the performance as they hope to match his aspiratiosn by landing him bigger bouts.

"Luca is a hard worker and he deserves this important title," said Cherchi. "Now our job will be to give him the best opportunity. In the EBU rankings, the top eight are important UK names, but his dream is also to fight for a world title."

Ezra Taylor is back training after defeat by Willy Hutchinson in March, with The Ring's No. 7-rated light heavyweight contender unlikely to pursue the European route as he seeks world title eliminators.

Ben Whittaker is being steered down a patient route by Matchroom, as is Brad Rea and Zach Parker under the Queensberry banner. Lyndon Arthur relinquished the title after beating Rea last November to pursue more lucrative opportunities, starting in Southampton against Lewis Edmondson on a stadium show June 20.

Following a career-best win over Dan Azeez in December, Craig Richards wants big fights only, as does fellow former title challenger Anthony Yarde who has been linked with Joshua Buatsi and Whittaker in recent times.