Eddie Hall was left with cuts above both eyes after being dropped twice by Thor Bjornsson.
The Englishman made a bright start to his grudge fight with his strongman rival in Dubai on Saturday night. Bjornsson was given a count in the second round when the ropes were adjudged to have kept up his huge frame.
And Hall thought he had the Icelander down again later in the session but the referee ruled the fall a slip. Bjornsson then began to take over, dropping Hall in the third and sixth rounds to ensure victory with the three ringside judges all scoring the fight 57-54.
Hall left the ring without speaking but later posted a video in which his injuries were clear.
"You know what, I can take things as a man," he said. "It is what it is, that's boxing. At the end of the day I've just fought the biggest man on the planet in a boxing match. I'd like to see anyone else get the balls and do that.
"It's been a hell of a journey; I've enjoyed it and hopefully there's a rematch and we can do business again. I want to wish everyone out there.. that you're staying safe, staying positive and you keep moving forward in life.
"The most important thing is family; this gorgeous baby [Hall's wife] is my rock and no matter what happens I get to go home to her and the kids."
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Bjornsson posted a picture to social media of himself with a specially-produced belt - and looked none the worse for wear after the six rounds.
"All the hard work and sacrifices paid off," he wrote. "I want to thank my coach and sparring partners, all my family, friends and fans for continuing to support me on this journey. Now I’m off to sleep for a few hours before my son wakes up for the day."
