BRAVE boxer Harry Matthews vowed to draw on the positives after losing to Nick Blackwell on points in their clash for the vacant English middleweight title.

Pocklington Rocket Matthews suffered his second defeat in his 12th professional fight, but insisted the bout was “a good experience”.

The 22-year-old started well in the clash at the University of Bath’s sports training village, leaving Trowbridge fighter Blackwell with a bloodied nose in the third round.

But his 20-year-old opponent, who extended his unblemished record to seven fights by becoming the youngest-ever English title holder, dominated the middle rounds.

Matthews’ mouthguard was sent flying to the canvas three times and, in the sixth round, a right hook sent him sprawling.

Having survived referee Mark Green’s count, Matthews impressed in the later stages of the ten-round contest but lost on a unanimous points decision, 98-91, 99-91 and 100-89.

Matthews said: “I took my eye off the ball for a second and he caught me, but I got back up and automatically got back into the fight.

“I did well for the last four rounds and thought I out-boxed him. I also thought I took the first round so, although the middle rounds were rocky, it was closer than the scores suggest.

“It was a good fight and I’m not too disappointed because of the way I fought. I will take the positives from it.

“I got through the ten rounds easier than I thought I would and it was a good experience for me.”