NAETHAN Hutcheon's hopes of emulating Brad Halford were shattered on Saturday night by Tom Dolan.
The Dorking boxer had been aiming to become the second Queensbury Boxing League champion from the Ultimate Fitness Gym in Leatherhead, with the 26-year-old stepping into the ring to take on Tom Dolan for the vacant novice middleweight title.
But Hutcheon, who was called up as a late replacement for the fight by promoters, lost out on a unanimous points decision in a thrilling fight, which drew a standing ovation from a packed out crowd at Epsom Racecourse.
It was always likely to be a tough fight for the 5ft 8in Hutcheon as he was giving away several inches in height, but his trainer Mark Houlden had backed him to create a bit more history for the gym.
However, Hutcheon, who only took up boxing two years ago, lost out in the four-rounder, with Dolan enjoying success in the first round with some good work behind the jab.
Hutcheon fought back in the second round and offered some good counter punches, but Dolan again enjoyed the better of the third and fourth rounds, connecting with heavy right-handers.
Hutcheon gave a good account of himself with some decent blows, but he was unfortunately on the wrong end of a points decision.
Nevertheless, Houlden says he was proud of his fighter's efforts, adding that he had drawn widespread praise from the crowd and the show's promoters.
He said: "Considering he only took the fight at ten days notice, and it was at a weight that he is not used to, it was a great performance.
"It is a shame that he couldn't win it, but we are happy with his performance and he is definitely making a name for himself.
"With a bit of luck, performances like that will help fast track him to a title even if he might take a couple of losses along the way."
And Houlden is targeting a fight at Hutcheon's normal weight, with the hope he can still become the gym's second Queensbury Boxing League title holder.
"Hopefully next time we will get him a fight at light middleweight or welterweight, which is more his weight, because middleweight is far too big for him," he said.
"Maybe we will get him a fight at the next Queensbury show in October, because he has fought three times on shows now and each time he has impressed the promoters."
If he does get a fight next month, he will join southern area champion Halford, who is preparing to fight for the English title next month.