Underdog Adam Dingsdale suffered a unanimous defeat to Derry Mathews on Saturday night.

The Hoo boxer was put down twice in the second round of the WBA Continental lightweight title contest at the Echo Arena in Liverpool.

But the 26-year-old went the distance in the 12-round bout before hometown fighter Mathews was awarded the win.

It was a courageous performance from Dingsdale and manager Steffy Bull believes his man came out of the fight with plenty of credit.

“He’s gone in there with a world class fighter in Derry Mathews,” said Bull.

“Pound for pound, he’s been one of Britain’s best fighters in recent years.

“Adam was the underdog and went in there with nothing to lose and everything to gain. He went there into the lion’s den as the main event and he’s done amazing. Only positive things can come out of it.”

Dingsdale was in trouble early on but survived to see the fight out.

“It was a bad start and he got caught cold,” said the manager.

“He could have stayed down and many would but he got to his feet and managed to hang on for the rest of the round.

“The middle rounds were nip and tuck and in the latter rounds, his tiredness began to show.

“He is so courageous and I am proud of him and so should the people of Medway.”