Update: Heroic Hitchin fighter Tom Ansell gave his all in an absorbing title eliminator at York Hall on Saturday night but it wasn't to be.

Super Lightweight Ansell lost to Sajid Abid on points after ten punishing rounds in the East End of London.

In a gripping spectacle that had the crowd in Bethnal Green roaring the fighter on, including a large and vociferous contingent from North Herts, the pair fought each other to a standstill in a raw contest of courage and commitment.

Ansell's explosive power had the taller Abid on the ropes at times in a frenetic opening that saw both men unleash a barrage of hits.

Despite Abid firing off long-range efforts that landed, Ansell preferred to come close and work the body on a regular basis.

However, despite Ansell's bravery, as the absorbing battle progressed, Abid used his longer reach and height to good effect as the fight reached the later stages.

And at the final bell after ten brutal rounds, the judges surprisingly scored the bout 97-94 in the Derby boxer's favour.

Speaking to Nub News at York Hall after the fight, brave Tom said: "I'm obviously disappointed. First of all I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported me.

"To everyone here whose support was the loudest of the night, to my sponsors and to everyone.

"I'd say he nicked the first couple of rounds, but I'd say I had one or two of the last rounds but what a fight.

"I'm disappointed but I left absolutely everything out there. I wouldn't go down, even if I was hoping he would go down.

"It is what it is. I'll take a short time to reflect but we will come back here and sell out York Hall again and keep going."

See Nub News for our interview with Tom soon