Chris Bourke suffered a broken hand and nose from the third round as he was beaten by Marc Leach who claimed the vacant British super-bantamweight title at York Hall last weekend.
Streatham’s Bourke – who wore a Millwall jersey at the weigh-in – lost on points, Salford’s Leach getting the decision 117-111, 116-113 and 116-112 on the judges’ scorecards.
Bourke’s professional record dropped to 10-1-0. Leach (18-1-1) hasn’t been beaten since his debut in the professional ranks.
Bourke went on the attack early but struggled to land and Leach countered effectively.
Leach connected with a big right hand in the second round before Bourke caught his opponent with a good left in the next.
But Leach continued to pick off his opponent and in the eleventh round he had Bourke wobbling after a left jab.
Bourke knew he needed a knock-out in the final round but Leach stayed out of harm’s way to take the belt.
Bourke was magnanimous in defeat. “Congratulations Marc Leach who was the better man tonight,” he said on Twitter.
“Unfortunately I suffered a broken hand and nose from the third round onwards.
“Gutted but I’ll be back. Thanks for the incredible messages and support. The atmosphere was amazing.”
Leach said: “It took three, four years to get this opportunity and it was all lined up in the stars.”
Appreciate everyone that’s been asking, Swellings going down and can move fingers slightly today ?? pic.twitter.com/8R7BZNwFol
— Chris Bourke (@C_Bourke94) March 14, 2022