The former England under-21 midfielder won 40-35 on points on Friday after twice flooring his Kent opponent.

Woodhouse, who moved from Sheffield United to Birmingham for £1m in 2001, turned down a new contract and quit Grimsby at the end of last season.

Woodhouse fought confidently, despite never boxing as an amateur.

He put the fight beyond doubt in the final round, flooring Marcoantonio with a left hook.

The Londoner beat the count only to be knocked down again with another left straight through the middle.

It's going to be a long, hard road but it's going to be good Curtis Woodhouse

Woodhouse said: "I feel brilliant. It felt great to get my first win out of the way.

"The worst thing was all those people here watching me. I burnt a lot of nervous energy in the dressing room but as I go on I'll learn and improve.

"I caught him with a beautiful left hook and he did well to get up.

"I felt I could have boxed better, and have done in the gym, but I have to be pleased with the win considering it was the first time I've ever boxed in public.

"There are always things you can do better and I know I will improve."

Woodhouse now wants his promoter Frank Warren to arrange another fight as soon as possible.

"I'm ready to go again right now," he said.

"I'm looking to fight as often as I possibly can. Obviously, with not having had any amateur fights, it's a case of cramming in as much as I can and learning as I go.

"It's going to be a long, hard road but it's going to be good."

Mark Hobson beat Czech Republic opponent Pavol Poakovic to claim the vacant WBU cruiserweight belt.

Hobson, 30, will now vacate the British and Commonwealth titles and hopes to fight the winner of next month's WBO clash between Johnny Nelson and Enzo Maccarinelli.

Kevin Mitchell, the 21-year-old Dagenham hope, extended his 100% winning record to 21 fights with an 11th-round stoppage of Andrew Isaevs of Belarus.

Mitchell retained his IBF inter-continental super featherweight title and promoter Frank Warren hopes to steer him to a world title shot next year.