Tyrone McKenna was left frustrated after losing out to Regis Prograis in Dubai on Saturday night.
Despite being dropped in the second round McKenna battled on before a bad cut ended the fight in the sixth round.
Prograis had dominated the bout at the Dubai Tennis Centre but McKenna was starting to grow into the contest when it was halted.
Read more: Tyrone McKenna vs Regis Prograis LIVE as it happened Dubai
McKenna told Eurosport: "He is world class. He is a heavy-handed man. Probably the hardest hitting man I have been in with. So it was tough every time you stepped in and got close to him.
"I thought I was getting into the fight as the rounds went on, but obviously I got the cut. I would love to have gone on with the cut.
"I have been cut in most fights but I wasn't able to carry on with this one which I am gutted about."
He added: "The game plan was to get through the first few rounds when he carries massive power, which he does. So it was to just let him work and for me to walk him down a bit and let his power fade.
"And then come on in the later rounds. And the game plan was going well.
"It is just unfortunate I sustained a big cut."
Prograis dropped McKenna in the second round with a crunching left hook, but the Belfast man recovered quickly and survived the round.
McKenna was troubled by another left in the third as Prograis looked set for an early finish.
But in trademark fashion McKenna bit down on the gumshield and traded with Prograis in the fourth, and he enjoyed his best round in the fifth after finding some success against the slick American.
A bad cut under McKenna's right eye forced the referee to consult the doctor halfway through the sixth round, and the medical advice was to call a halt to the fight.
Prograis - who is now mandatory challenger for the WBC world light-welterweight title - called out Jack Catterall who was sitting at ringside.
And he also had praise for the heart and resilience of McKenna.
"I knew he was tough," Prograis said.
"He's Irish and I knew he was a tough fighter. I dropped him but I knew he would get up, and when he got up I knew he wasn't hurt. I just had to keep doing my thing and keep boxing.
"I felt when I cut him, he kept pushing forward. Irish fighters keep pushing, so I had to change my game plan and get on the back foot and box some more."
Asked what fight he wants next, Prograis added: "I am just looking to improve and get better.
"I was world champion three years ago and I want to be world champion again. I have been at that level and I want to get back there again."
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