Nick Ball lost his WBA featherweight title after being stopped in the 12th round of a tight contest with American Brandon Figueroa in Liverpool on Saturday.
The hometown favourite was knocked down twice in the final round at the M&S Bank Arena and the referee called off the bout in favour of the challenger.
Ball, undefeated in 24 previous fights, had tried to force the pace but Figueroa would not be subdued.
Figueroa made his breakthrough as the fight entered its closing three minutes when he sent Ball to the canvas with a strong left hand.
Ball regained his feet but Figueroa sensed his opportunity and completed the job soon after as he dropped Ball onto the ropes.
There had been little between the pair in many of the rounds. Ball landed some telling blows but Figueroa threw more punches.
Both had wobbles in the eighth round with Ball at one point forced onto the ropes while Figueroa went down after losing his footing.
Ball tried to step up the intensity as the end neared but Figueroa held firm and eventually prevailed.
