Fresh from his defeat to light welterweight rival Dan Connor on Saturday night, Ricky Boylan concedes that something just is not going right for him in the ring.

The much anticipated bout at London’s O2 Arena between the two fighters grabbed the attention of Carshalton – the town where the pair grew up – but it was Connor who eventually prevailed via a 97-94 points victory.

The loss marks Boylan’s third defeat in his past four fights, having previously gone unbeaten through 12 fights since turning professional in 2010.

Now the 27-year-old is struggling to work out what has brought about this sudden downturn in form.

He said: “I can’t work out what keeps going wrong, I’ve had great training and preparation couldn’t have gone better.

“I felt great all the way up to the fight, but as soon as I got in the ring I felt flat and had no snap in my punches.”

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Prior to the fight, a simmering rivalry had developed between Boylan and Connor, but Boylan holds no grudges and appreciates that his rival deserved the victory.

“I’ve got no excuses as to why I lost, Dan was the better boxer on the night and he did what he had to do, so it’s full credit to him,” he added.

“I would love a rematch with Dan, more so because I know I can perform so much better than I’m doing.”

Boylan and his team will now have to evaluate where he goes from here and a move up in weight might be the next move.

He said: “I’m not sure what’s next for me. I’ve been in the gym since February, so I want to have a long break before I decide anything.

“I’ve spoke to my trainer, Jamie Moore, and he thinks I’m struggling to make the light welterweight weight.

"We may decide it’s best to move up to welterweight, but at the moment I’m just not sure.”