SCOTT Quigg doesn’t need Simon Cowell or Cheryl Cole to tell him he has the X-Factor – he has the WBA International super-bantamweight title to prove it.

The 21-year-old wowed the Bury’s boxing fans at the Castle Leisure Centre on Saturday evening with a powerhouse show that left his Argentinian rival Santiago Allione on the canvas inside three rounds.

Victory – the 20th of Quigg’s blossoming career and his 14th stoppage – was enough to earn the local lad his maiden title and means he is now in line for a shot at both the British and European super-bantamweight crowns.

Quigg’s highly-respected trainer and manager, Brian Hughes, has no qualms about unleashing his man before the year is out.

“We thought the Argentinian was very good and I told everybody that this would be his hardest fight,“ said Hughes. “The combinations that Allione threw were beautiful and, at the end of the second round, we told Scott to change tactics and throw shots through the middle of him.

“Once Scott did that, he caught him with a short uppercut and the end soon came.

“Now I want him to fight for the British title, ideally before Christmas. If the European title comes first then that is fine but I would rather him win the British title and then he has the European title to look forward to.

“I have no doubts he is ready for a shot at either.”

Quigg was impressive in his demolition of Allione, who was gaining in confidence before falling under the sheer weight of the home favourite’s onslaught.After a cagey opening round, the fight opened up and the Hatton Promotions protege finally ended the contest with two counter punches of the highest quality.

“I just sussed him out early on and in the second round I thought I had his measure and I could go and get him,“ said Quigg.

“I should have put the pressure on 30 seconds earlier than I actually did, but I did get caught with a couple of daft shots and that was stupid really and somebody better could have punished me for that.

“But I got back to my boxing and in the third round I picked it up and put the pressure on at the right time.

“I am not surprised I ended it in the third round because I was catching him with some nice, clean shots. I was hurting him and it was great to finish him early.

“To do it in front of my home fans in such a fantastic atmosphere made it a real event and very special.”

The former Elton High School pupil added: “It feels great to get my first belt but I have to forget about it now.

“It means nothing, I need to move on. I want to keep training hard and make it the first of many. Hopefully I can get the British title before the end of the year.”

Quigg’s route to the top will not be hindered by the uncertainty surrounding Hatton Promotions. The company’s chief executive, Gareth Williams, says it is business as usual despite Ricky Hatton losing his management and fight licences following drug allegations. The “Hitman” was allowed to keep his promotional licence though.