Lee Purdy feels his career was cut short before he could produce his best win

Former British champion Lee Purdy believes he did not fulfil his potential before his career was cruelly cut short.

What hurts me the most is that I believe my best performance has still not been on show. No-one ever got to see it.

The 27-year-old Essex man suffered a badly damaged left eye following a punishing stoppage defeat by Leonard Bundu, forcing him to hang up his gloves.

During his 26 fights, Purdy won and successfully defended the British belt with two wins over Craig Watson and halted former world title challenger Cosme Rivera to earn a shot at IBF welterweight champion Devon Alexander.

He produced a brave effort against the skilful American before he was halted in the seventh round and was also stopped by European champion Bundu in the dying stages of a thrilling battle. 

Speaking at his testimonial dinner, Purdy told Sky Sports: "What hurts me the most is that I believe my best performance has still not been on show. No-one ever got to see it.

"I've cried myself to sleep many times thinking 'what if?'. But it's the way it is, I don't regret anything I did in my career and I'm happy with how it panned out."

Tony Sims, his former trainer and manager, helped to turn the rugged teenager into a champion and praised his single-minded attitude.   

"I had him from an 18-year-old kid," said Sims. "He came in the gym, sparring with the fighters, getting bashed up. He didn't have any amateur experience.

Humble

"He was raw. I took a chance taking him on and look what a career he's had.

"He's such a determined man, a hard man, a ferocious man in the ring as well, but a very humble, nice man and it was a great pleasure to be his trainer and manager over the years."  

Despite being forced to walk away, Purdy has not lost his love of the sport, ending with a record of 20 wins, one draw and five defeats.  

"I'm more than happy with what I achieved because I set out with no goals," he said. "A lot of fighters these days want to be British champion, fight for world titles, be the world champ. I just did it because it’s what I loved to do.

"I won four titles and defended them all at least once.

"This is it, I’ve come to the end of my career. I remember turning pro and people said 'cherish these moments because they don’t last for long'."