The undefeated Londoner dominated nearly every minute against the 38-year-old Pole to claim his European cruiserweight title in the chief support bout to Derek Chisora’s heavyweight clash with Deontay Wilder.

The judges scores of 118-110, 118-110 and 119-109 told the story of Riley’s control against his experienced visitor, who lost for the third time on British soil and the second in this very ring at London’s O2 Arena, 10 years after his defeat to Tony Bellew.

“I’m European champion and it sounds good," Riley said. "I was English champion, British and now European champion. This says I’m world class because the only people who ever beat Masternak are world class. I showed I can go in the deep end and come out with the belt.

“There will always be doubters but to have 14 fights and win everything I’ve won, then I think the point is proven.”

The victory will have significant ramifications at world level given that Riley, The Ring’s No. 9-rated cruiserweight, started the night ranked No. 7 by the IBF.

Their belt is currently vacant following the decision to strip Jai Opetaia of the title last month. The top two spots are vacant while Chris Billam-Smith is No. 3 and, at the start of the night, Masternak was No. 4.

Now, given such a one-sided victory, the IBF could order an all-British fight between Billam-Smith and Riley for their vacant belt this summer.

“You know how it goes,” Riley said when asked about the chance of fighting CBS for the world title. “It’s British, then European and that means you’re ready for the next level.

“I’ll sit down with my team at MF Pro, this was my debut under my new promotional banner, and I’m ready for the next challenge.”

There was little to choose between the pair in a cagey first round but Riley, who attempted to land with long right hooks to the body throughout, tested the shot a few times in the first without any real success.

Masternak looked vulnerable to the right hand and Riley seemed to wobble the visitor twice during the second round while the developing marking on Masternak’s left cheek was evidence of more good Riley work in the third. Still, Pole held firm and never looked in any serious trouble. Riley, who never stopped feinting, was in complete control but Masternak was able to handle the pace.

Riley even went southpaw in the fourth to give the champion a different look but the bell to finish the round ended that little experiment before it had really begun. Riley landed his biggest shot of the fight late in the fifth when a right hand found a home, snapping Masternak’s head back momentarily but he was not able to capitalise on the breakthrough.

As Masternak tired, Riley began to turn the screw but there was still no clear route to a stoppage. Then, in the final three minutes, it was Masternak who threw everything he had left at Riley but it was far too little and much too late as the Englishman sailed home on the cards.