British welterweight Frankie Gavin has failed in his attempt to win the European title after he was defeated by Leonard Bundu at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall.
Gavin went into the bout unbeaten in 19 fights but 39-year-old Bundu was expected to provide him with the biggest test of his career.
The first five rounds were edged by Gavin, but in the next, he was floored by a sickening body shot from the Italian that appeared to have him beat before he got to his feet to make the bell.
However, that blow hurt the 28-year-old and Bundu piled on the pressure in the hope of a stoppage, but round-by-round, Gavin gradually fought back to leave the result of the contest in the balance.
One judge scored the fight 115-112 in favour of Gavin, but the two other officials had it 114-113 to Bundu, which saw the veteran take the victory on a split decision.
Darren Plant
