Sean McGoldrick was the only winner as the British Lionhearts were well beaten in their World Series Boxing clash with Italia Thunder in Caserta.

Bantamweight McGoldrick, the Commonwealth Games gold medallist in Delhi, maintained his unbeaten record with a confident win over fledgling Italian talent Riccardo D'Andrea.

But there was disappointment for lightweight Josh Taylor, who was looking for revenge against local hero Domenico Valentino in a repeat on their last 16 encounter at the London 2012 Olympics.

Valentino, a world champion in 2009, took an early advantage and never relinquished it, although Taylor was involved throughout, mounting an impressive, though ultimately far too late, response in the final round.

There were also defeats for Lionhearts light heavyweight Joe Ward, edged aside by Abdelhafid Benchabla, middleweight Kaupo Arro, who was comfortably beaten by Olympic bronze medallist Vincenzo Mangiacapre, and heavyweight Uaine Fo, who did make Italian captain Clemente Russo work for his win.

The Lionhearts, who have now won four and lost three of their encounters, will need to bounce back against Group B favourites and table-toppers Kazakhstan on February 7th, a clash that will be staged at London's iconic York Hall boxing venue.

Tags: Amateur Boxing