RYAN Martin believes it was his mentality which cost him the WBC World Youth Welterweight title after he was beaten by Michael McKinson at the Oasis Leisure Centre.

The 23-year-old went the distance with the Portsmouth fighter before seeing his perfect record as a professional ended by a unanimous points decision.

Early on it was the visitor who took the initiative as he imposed himself on Martin in the opening rounds.

But while Martin grew into the bout, he believes it was the mental battle which cost him the win.

“It felt like a good fight but it should have been more of a fight. I let him box to his game plan and I feel like I took a mental dip early,” said Martin.

“I struggled to get myself back into it. I knew he was going to do what he did but all credit to Michael, he boxed perfectly.

“I played right into his hands. He was fit, he was sharp and I just wasn’t answering his counter punches. I didn’t listen exactly to my coach and that cost me the fight.

“All credit to him, I finished strong but it was too late which is no good.”

It was during those early rounds that Martin got caught with a shot which left a cut above his right eye.

Although it did require stitches after the fight, Martin claims it had no impact on the result of the bout.

“The fight was playing out exactly how I was expecting it to play out. Round three or four I started to find my rhythm,” added the 23-year-old.

“It didn’t make me duck out of anything, it maybe made me a little bit more protective.

“Obviously the cut isn’t great mentally, it’s not going to make me happy in the fight but I don’t think it cost me the fight. My mentality cost me the fight.”

Due to the close decision by the judges (97-95, 97-94, 98-93) there have been calls for a rematch between the two, but while Martin says he will fight anyone, he doesn’t want to think about his next opponent anytime soon. “I don’t even want to think about fighting at the minute. I’m going to enjoy some pizza, it’s been a while,’’ he added.

“We will talk about what is next in a week or so because I need to chill out. I’ll fight anyone but jumping into that might not necessarily be the right thing.”

Harry Webb, Dan Bailey, Sam Smith and Luke Watkins were all able to claim wins on the Trifecta Boxing show, but trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick was unable to look past Martin’s heartbreaking defeat.

“Somebody said to me that four out of five wins isn’t bad but I think it is crap,” he said.

“I’m delighted for the other boys of course, but that one loss just sinks you and I’m gutted for Ryan.”