Rob Hunt is letting his disappointment pass

Hunt's 30th pro boxing contest was ruined by a surprise loss to William Warburton on points last Saturday night, writes Craig Birch.

The 30-year-old welterweight was beaten at the Fenton Manor Sports Complex in Stoke-on-Trent, on a show promoted by boxing legend Ricky Hatton.

The result is a setback for Hunt, who saw Craig Morris claim the Midlands title he once held at the top of the bill.

The experienced campaigner still retained hope of a crack at the English or possibly even the British crown, but is instead mulling over his future.

He said: "I think I'll carry on, but I'll be having this week off. Then I'll see how things go and what comes up for me. I love training, so I'll keep myself fit anyway.

"Fighting has been my life, so I won't be making any rash decisions. Things can change in boxing, depending on what is out there, so it's not the end of the world.

"I'm gutted, I won't lie, but there's no point in moaning. The result was decided on the night and there's nothing I can do about it."

A three-round deficit of 59-56 after six rounds suggested referee Reece Carter was in no doubt of the winner, as Warburton produced another upset.

'Warby,' 29, registered his 21st paid victory, avoiding what would have been his 100th loss with eight draws. He also defeated then Midlands champion Jason Welborn earlier this year.

Upsetting another former area titlist in Hunt sends the 10-year pro back to the drawing board, after what was his first loss over-the-distance. He and his camp felt the result was harsh.

He said: "I've been chinned before, then I've got up and conceded the other guy was the better man. That was nothing like this.

"Warburton is a decent fighter, but he's still got a losing record. If he'd have beat me up easy, I'd retire. To be honest, I thought I'd won by the same verdict.

"I landed the cleaner punches, he only really threw anything when we got in close and they were like slaps. He knew I was taller than him with a good jab, so he tried to get rid of it.

"There were a couple of head clashes, they weren't on purpose, one opened up an old wound on the top of my head and another one by my left eye.

"I gave him two rounds out of six, at best, with me winning three and possibly even four. I can't believe the referee only gave me one and a share.

"My coaches were more gobsmacked than I was, in fact I didn't speak to anyone who thought I lost. I asked them all to be honest with me, too.

"At worst, it was a draw. He'd have considered himself lucky to get that. No disrespect, but I feel I won the fight."