Lee McAllister retired with a hand injury but was already being outclassed by Denis Shafikov in his European light-welterweight challenge.
Russian remains unbeaten after Scotsman retires with hand injury
Outclassed Scotsman Lee McAllister suffered an anti-climactic defeat in his European light-welterweight challenge against unbeaten Russian Denis Shafikov.
Fighting on home turf in Aberdeen, McAllister was quickly reminded of the size of the task facing him as Shafikov dominated throughout.
And his task was further undermined by a hand injury which prompted McAllister to quit after seven rounds.
McAllister was a real underdog going into the bout but made a solid start in the opening round. However, the champion was soon asserting himself, landing with regularity and spearing the Scot with occasional power shots.
Shafikov's work was more industrious, commanding and punishing and McAllister's demeanour quickly became dispirited.
Reach
He held a clear height and reach advantage but could not keep the Russian off, instead being bullied around the squared circle and kept on the ropes.
Roared on by a partisan crowd at the Aberdeen Exhibition Centre, he shook off a lot of punishment - including an apparent hand injury - before calling it a night.
As the bell rang to restart the action the Scot got off his stool but, shaking his head, went straight to Shafikov to congratulate him on his win.
"I never seem to get a fair crack but things happen for a reason," McAllister told Sky Sports 1.
"I hurt my left hand, hit him on the top of the head, I thought I was boxing ok to be honest but once I lost my jab I was a bit knackered to be honest, every time I hit the jab I had shooting pains up my arm but there's no excuses he came in here and did a job.
Retire
"The last thing a fighter wants is to retire but if it has to be done it has to be done. It was the biggest night of my career but it's been ruined by an injury to my hand. But everything happens for a reason and hopefully I'll get another crack.
"Our plan was to take it easy pick him off and wait for the later rounds and take him out then. I was looking to take him beyond the eighth and then have a go from there.
"But he's offered me the re-match anyway so maybe it's a free trip to Russia and get paid for it. But then we could get him back to Aberdeen and a bigger arena for the rematch."
