Epsom boxer Brad Halford failed to add the Queensbury English light welterweight title to his trophy cabinet on Saturday night, after losing out on points to fellow challenger Shane Graham in a thrilling battle.

The 33-year-old was hoping to add the Queensbury Boxing League’s belt to his collection after claiming the Southern Area version of the title during his four-fight winning streak in the UK boxing league.

But Halford’s famed power just was not enough to see off the challenge from Northampton’s Graham who took the verdict by unanimous decision.

From the opening bell of the contest Halford looked unusually cautious as he tried to feel out his opponent during the opening minutes, and as the first round came to a close it looked as if the Epsom man's apprehension in engaging had potentially given the round away with nothing meaningful landing on his foe.

As the fight started to warm up in the second, Halford began to find some success, and caught Graham with a solid right that got the attention of the visitor.

However, Graham's work rate and forward aggression looked to have again just nicked it as both men made their way back to their corners.

Over the remaining three rounds of action, Halford did come on stronger landing with some good combinations, but as the championship contest entered the final round it was Graham that looked to have landed the decisive blow in the argument.

Halford was knocked down with the round coming to a close as both boxers looked to close the fight out in style.

As referee Ken Curtis ushered both fighters to the centre of the ring to hear the result, it was Northampton’s Graham that was left celebrating as he dropped to his knees in delight after hearing his name called out as the winner.

Halford said: “I knew it was going to be a hard fight against Shane, and it proved to be just that.

“My plan was to test the waters in the opening round and see what he was like, and then once I’d had a good look at him then go to work.

“I caught him in the second round with a big shot which hurt my hand, and I found out after the fight that I had broken Shane’s jaw in that round, but he must be a real warrior as he carried and got through the fight to win.

“I felt that the fourth was my best round, but at the start of the final round my coach said that I needed to go out there and have a big round and unfortunately I got caught with a shot and went down on one knee.

"It was a great fight and one people are still talking about, but I’m obviously disappointed that I lost, but fair play to Shane he won the fight”

“After that fight I’m going to take some time off from competing and spend it with the family, and then I’ll look at what I’m going to do next year after talking it over with my family and team”