Tony Owen has wished his conqueror all the best after his short reign as Southern Area light-welterweight champion was ended inside four rounds.

Defeat by a technical knockout to his good friend and fellow Carshalton lad Ricky Boylan means 26-year-old Owen has two wins and two defeats since October last year.

However, despite the result, Owen said there are no hard feelings between them.

“After the fight, when we were still in the ring, Rick said: ‘Sorry about that’ and I told him to ‘Shut up, I would have done the same thing’,” Owen said.

“Rick phoned me on Sunday to make sure we were ok, and we are. It’s the sport we’re in, and we knew that when we went into the ring.

“I am pleased for Rick, but I was frustrated with myself. I felt in control for the first three rounds and I was enjoying the bout.

“Then I got caught with a good contact and felt a buzz, so took the eight-count. I knew he would come rushing at me, and the ref stepped in to stop it.”

He added: “I’m going to take some time out and enjoy Christmas and the New Year, then we’ll regroup and see what offers are on the table.”