WALCOT boxer Kyran Rouse was unlucky to return home from the City of Gloucester Boxing Dinner last Friday night without a victory, writes DAVE VEYSEY.

The 11-year-old faced Jessie Lunnon from the host club in an exciting battle between two determined youngsters.

Roared on by his home supporters, Lunnon attacked from the outset, using his height and reach advantage to score with left jabs.

But Oliver Tompkins pupil Rouse countered with straight lefts and rights of his own in a very close opening round.

During the second session Rouse kept close to his opponent and increased his work rate to score with a variety of punches.

The final round saw both boxers go at it hammer and tongs, to conclude a crowd-pleasing contest.

But, to the dismay of the Walcot camp, it was Lunnon who had his arm raised by referee Brian Roberts.

Walcot chief coach Harry Scott was nevertheless delighted with his protégé’s performance, saying: “Kyran gave a lion-hearted display in only his second contest.

“It was a shame we didn’t get the result as I thought we nicked it, but Kyran will learn a lot from this."