JOE Hughes conceded he had received a taste of his own medicine as his bid for the European super-lightweight title ended in gallant failure in Leicester last night.

The Malmesbury fighter, 27, was unanimously outpointed by defending champion Anthony Yigit, of Sweden, at the Leicester Arena, despite another performance that won plenty of plaudits for its bravery and intent.

Hughes made a fine start to the 12-round contest, nudging ahead on the scorecards in the opening two stanzas, but Yigit extended his unbeaten fighting record by upping his efforts for the remainder of the fight to score an ultimately decisive triumph.

Hughes said: "He's a very good champion and he just out-hustled me on the day.

"I can normally work hard and I'm normally the one coming on strong and this time it was Anthony on top of me towards the end of the fight.

"But fair play to him, credit to him, he beat me on the night.''

An atmosphere of respect permeated the build-up to the fight and that lasted into the aftermath, with Yigit generous in his praise of the Wiltshire man, for whom it was a third professional defeat.

"At the beginning he came in strong, just like we anticipated. He's got a hell of a left hand, I've got to give him that,'' said Yigit.

"He's a great fighter. He's not ducking any one. He takes all the fights and fair play to him, he's bringing out the best out of every one.''

Hughes added: "Fair play to Anthony, he's a gentleman.

"In the sport nowadays I think there is a bit too much trash-talking and people talking rubbish trying to hype the fights and Anthony has been nothing but a gentleman in the build-up.''

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