Josh Warrington’s rematch with Mauricio Lara ended in a technical draw after the Mexican suffered a huge cut above his left eye following a clash of heads in the second round.
The ringside doctor waved off the bout as Lara’s corner were unable to stem the bleeding from his gaping wound.
It was a major disappointment for both fighters after a pulsating start in front of a partisan crowd in Leeds.
Lara won their fight in February to take the IBF world featherweight title.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Warrington said he was “absolutely gutted” with the outcome.
“I am confused, I don’t know what to say. Honestly felt I could burst into tears when the ref waved it off,” he said.
“I thought I caught him in the first round and I thought I could see a nick there and keep targeting it. When I dived in there was a head clash and I am absolutely gutted.”
Looking to avenge his only professional defeat, Leeds-born…