Monday 27 March 2017 11:35, UK
Anthony Crolla suffered another points loss in his world title rematch with Jorge Linares on an emotionally charged night in Manchester.
The hometown man bravely overcame a seventh round knockdown, but could not prevent Linares from retaining his WBA lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory.
This courageous effort from Crolla was not the only talking point from an eventful evening...
Crolla's legion of fans had hoped to see their local hero regain his world title, but they were forced to admire the masterful ring skills of Linares.
This three-weight world champion oozed class from the opening bell and his slashing punches drew blood from above Crolla's eye before he dumped the Mancunian on the deck with a clever uppercut.
It is testament to Crolla's battling spirit that he staged a determined response, deservedly hearing the bell, and then offered more respectful words to his conqueror.
Linares left the ring with his reputation further enhanced as one of the finest fighters on the planet, and must surely meet lightweight rival Mikey Garcia in the near future.
An emotional Crolla did not need to issue an apology after his gallant performance and the likeable 30-year-old confirmed he would fight on.
"Yeah, I believe I can come again. I lost to a very good fighter tonight," he said.
"Going into this, I believe I was better than ever. Tonight I lost to the better man, no excuses whatsoever.
"I'm really sorry I couldn't do it for you."
Crolla deserves a well earned rest after twice sharing the ring with one of the sport's elite competitors, but is still capable of adding another triumphant chapter to his remarkable career.
Linares produced a masterclass, whereas Jason Welborn gave a punishing lesson to Marcus Morrison as he ended the middleweight prospect's unbeaten record.
Morrison had made short work of his previous opponents and looked to be heading for another early stoppage when he floored Welborn in the second round.
But the experienced Midlands man dragged the 24-year-old into a damaging dogfight and Morrison showed his grit to reach the final round.
Morrison's nose was damaged and pride will also hurt, although he can return stronger after that tough learning fight.
Ireland's former amateur star continued her swift progress in the professional ranks with a dominant points win over Milena Koleva.
Taylor was taking on a former world title challenger in just her fourth fight, but easily handled this step up in class, flooring Koleva on the way to a shutout points win.
It will be hard to apply the brakes to the ambitious 30-year-old, who is hurtling towards a world title shot, and she hopes to achieve her aim within a handful of fights.
"Hopefully two or three fights and I hope to challenge for a world title. I definitely feel ready now," she said.
Lawrence Okolie announced his arrival in the professional ranks with an explosive knockout victory over Geoffrey Cave in just 20 seconds.
The former Team GB fighter had been eagerly anticipating his debut and did not disappoint, sending out a warning to his new cruiserweight rivals.
Potential opponents might think twice after watching video footage of his ruthless swift victory.
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