Berinsfield's Robbie Wright delivered the performance of his career in the third round of this year's ABA Junior championships at the Chatteris Sports Centre, Cambridgeshire, but it wasn't quite enough for victory.
Facing Anthony Agogo, a gold medal winner at the World Junior Olympics, the 17 year-old Home Counties Class 6 welterweight champion started strongly.
Neat right hands to head and body saw the Oxfordshire teenager claim the opening round.
Wright kept up the pressure after the interval before being caught by an open glove over the left eye.
"It must have happened on the blind side of the referee as it was clearly a slap to me," said Berinsfield chief coach Mel Corrigan.
It proved to be the turning point as Agogo increased his workrate, forcing a standing count towards the end of the third period. In the final seconds, Agogo connected again with a big punch, prompting the referee to call a halt.
"My pride is more hurt than the eye and I'm so disappointed that it didn't last the distance as I felt I could have just edged it on points," said Wright.
"But I've proved I can cope with a boxer of that pedigree some even look upon him as the new Amir Khan. And I know that I can beat him if we ever get together in the ring again."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article