TRAINER John Costello says Jamie Cox’s camp are considering an appeal after the southpaw’s controversial defeat to John Ryder on Saturday.

After the duo exchanged blows in an even opening round, Cox was caught with a right hook which knocked him to the canvas at the O2 Arena.

Despite being unsteady on his legs, the 31-year-old was able to get back to his feet after gathering himself, however, referee Ian John Lewis opted to end the fight in London.

Costello, who at the time thought Cox may not have received a full count to 10, says it is something they are looking into.

“Jamie shouldn’t have got caught with the shot that he got caught with, he was very careless and he shouldn’t have pressed as soon as he did,” said Costello.

“He knows that. He got caught and his legs momentarily left him and I told him to take a count of eight and then the referee waves it off.

“Jamie got up at nine, the referee wasn’t even counting. If the referee hasn’t given Jamie the full count, then we will be asking for a rematch.

“I need to view it first. Paulie Malignaggi, who was doing the commentary, pulled me over after the fight and said that Jamie didn’t get a 10-count.

“That is not John Ryder’s fault and good luck to the kid. Having said that, it is about doing the right thing and if he wasn’t given the chance to get to his feet then we will lodge an appeal.

“Before we do that though, I need to have a good look at the footage and make sure if we do lodge an appeal, it is a justified one.”

Should the defeat stand, Cox will have two on his record after being beaten in the World Boxing Super Series by WBA champion George Groves.

Groves himself has three defeats to his name, while Ryder is expected to land a world title shot with four defeats in a 30-fight career.

Costello believes Groves in particular shows it is possible to be a world champion, despite tasting defeat and could be a source of inspiration for the Swindon super-middleweight.

“The defeat would be a second setback. Groves was different because he wasn’t expected to win that,” he added.

“This one is a little different. He should have won that fight, I’m not saying he can’t come back from it, because he can.

“Some fighters have had more than one set back, you only need to look at Groves for that. John has had to come through things himself as well.

“They both came back from it, showed character and now Jamie is going to have to do something similar.”