The 28-year-old took just 32 seconds to defeat the previously unbeaten New Zealander Kali Meehan at Bethnal Green.

He is due to take on Julius Francis, who was most memorably beaten by Mike Tyson, in his next bout, but is already angling for a clash with Harrison.

He said: "Audley deserves all the praise for winning gold at Sydney. I'm not disrespectful, but any time he wants it, I'm here."

Francis held both titles when he beat Williams in April 1999 and the man who lasted just 243 seconds against Tyson nine months later was far from impressed by Saturday's action.

"I know Danny wanted to show me and the public what he could do, but there was nothing I had not seen before and there was nothing I had not expected from him," Francis said.

"I know he's a strong fighter and one of the best to come out of this country, but I proved I was the better fighter two years ago and my ghost will never leave Danny."

Meehan, whose 23-fight unbeaten record earned him a crack at Williams' Commonwealth crown, did not land a punch.

After the fight, a delighted Williams said: "The way I am punching in the gym anyone I hit will go over. I put it down to the power of prayer and training at altitude."

Frank Warren, who manages and promotes Williams, concurred: "He has not always believed in his own ability - but now he's full of it and so positive."

Trainer Jim McDonnell, former European super-featherweight champion, added: "Danny now realises how good he is - and he can only get better."