Talented southpaw Frankie Gavin was sent back to the drawing board as he was methodically bludgeoned to a split decision loss by classy European welterweight champion Leonard Bundu in Wolverhampton. The unbeaten Birmingham star looked out of his depth early on as Bundu's vast experience and technical aptitude saw him a step ahead.

Gavin seemed to find his feet in the early middle rounds but was floored by a body shot in the sixth and despite showing huge heart and flashes of skill, never recovered en route to a first professional loss which could have been much wider.

However, victory at the Civic Hall was far from a foregone conclusion for the 19-0 prospect (12KO wins). Bundu, born in Sierra Leone but based in Italy, boasted a proud unbeaten record of 30 wins and two draws on his ledger coming in, and the 39-year-old's tally of just 11 early wins did not do him justice.

Gvain may have even won the last three rounds - the last was perhaps his best - before scores of 114-113 by two judges, against 117-115 to Gavin by their colleague, ensured Bundu kept his crown and added Gavin's Commonwealth belt.

"I'm gutted," Gavin said. "I thought I won it and even Bundu told me I'd won. I haven't lost a fight in nine years as an amateur or pro so it's hard to take. But hopefully he'll vacate the belt and fight for a world title and I can rebuild and fight for the European again."