Chatham boxer Tom Dallas' American dream was over inside the first round in New York on Saturday.

The heavyweight Dallas, who turned 30 on Thursday, was hoping to celebrate his birthday with a massive upset in the ring against Charles Martin.

Fighting at the world-famous Madison Square Garden venue, Dallas was bidding to win the WBO NABO title and inflict a first defeat on Martin.

But the fight went the way many expected with Dallas immediately troubled by Martin's longer reach.

The fifth professional defeat of Dallas' career came just before the end of the first round when the referee stepped in after a stunning left punch had the Chatham man struggling.

The fight was on the undercard of the world heavyweight bout between Wladimir Klitschko and Bryant Jennings, which Klitschko won on points after going the full 12 rounds.

Before the fight, the roofer said he was delighted with the chance to fight at the iconic venue which has hosted bouts between legendary boxing names such as Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

“The opportunity came up and it’s one which I am never going to get again," he said. “I don’t think anyone else around here can say they have fought at Madison Square Garden."