Carshalton boxer Lenny Daws is considering an appeal after missing out on the European light-welterweight title on Saturday in controversial circumstances.
The 34-year-old lost on a points decision against Italian Michele Di Rocco, in Puglia, Italy.
However, Daws is adamant that home advantage swayed the decision in Di Rocco’s favour.
Daws also hinted that the Italian’s camp may have been guilty of rule infringements, that may have affected the outcome.
He said: “It was a frustrating night. It was always going to be hard to win on points, but I thought I had done enough.
“He had a good first round, but I cut him in the second with a clean jab, and from round four on, he was running away.
“In the 12th, I put him over with another clean jab, but the referee did not count it as a knock-down and it cost me two points in the end, which would have been enough for a draw.
“If the fight had been in a neutral country, we would have got it. But that is what boxing is like.”
Daws has been waiting on the bout since January as Di Rocco’s camp and the Italian promoters OPI2000 continually delayed or moved the date – one of a few factors that have not impressed Daws.
He said: “My training was probably too long because of all the delays, and when we got to Italy they had booked us into the wrong hotel, and even during the fight my corner stool broke so I had to stand until we grabbed a chair out of the audience.
“Whether the Italians had set all these things up to disrupt us, I don’t know, but all these things affect your fight.
“I’m waiting to see the fight back on TV because there are a couple of issues surrounding how many people Di Rocco had in his corner.
“At one point his promoter was in the corner tended to his cut, which is against the rules. If the play-back confirms it, I think we may appeal against it.
“If not, then I will get back in the gym, and prepare for the next shot. This is not the end for me.”
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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 here