Stuart McCrone's bid to become senior ABA middleweight champion was brought to an unexpected end last Friday.

The Spennymoor Boxing Academy fboxer lost a points decision at the quarter-final stage in Liverpool to England's Delroy Robinson.

Coach Robbie Ellis had been confident of achieving success but Robinson proved to have be just too much for McCrone, despite sending his Repton BC opponent to the canvas in the second round.

"He boxed a very good southpaw and he's only ever fought one in 75 fights, he's not used to it," said Ellis.

"It was a very close contest but I had a feeling he'd lose.

"Stuart didn't do as well as I thought he would but Robinson has been fighting for England for many years."

Spennymoor secretary Paul Hodgson was not satisfied with the decision, blaming the controversial electronic scoring system for McCrone's defeat.

Hodgson said: "I thought he'd won.

"I think the computer scoring was to blame. Had it been done with the old pen and paper it would've been different.

"It was a close bout. Stuart had the lad down in the second."

However, Ellis was in a much more optimistic mood, preferring to look to the future.

"It's not what we expected but he did well to get this far and there's always next year. And we're going to be pushing for an England place."

l LONDON promoters Golden Fists are bringing a boxing show to the region next month with five bouts on the bill.

Four fighters from North Road Gym, Gateshead, will feature including Shaun Bowes from Tow Law who will be making his professional debut. Ross Murray and brothers Paul and Andrew Buchanan will also represent the Gateshead club at the event which takes place at the town's Leisure Centre on April 26.

Tickets cost £30 (ringside) and £20 and are available on 01207 233822.