Jorvik Warrior Jamie Warters was left 'gutted' after his controversial draw with Phil Day last night at the RC Arena, Hull.

Despite a slow opening, Warters had looked a comfortable points victor - even finishing the six-round bout with a flourish - but referee Phil Edwards held both fighters' arms aloft at the end.

Warters, who was again cheered on by a massive vocal following from York, admitted afterwards he felt 'sick inside' by the decision.

He told the Evening Press: "I'm gutted. I thought I won five out of the six rounds.

"I'd give him one round maybe - maybe the first, but I didn't think it was a draw. No way.

"I boxed economically, used my jab better and threw the classier, sharper punches. I had him hurt badly in the fourth round from a left hook. But he just knew how to hang on in.

"He never hurt me once. He caught me with a couple of jabs and the uppercut on the inside, but I thought I won.

"I was sickened at the end. I knew I had won and the majority of people knew that. Even he knew I'd won."

Warters started the fight against the unpredictable Daventry brawler slowly, too often seeking the big shot.

But having been caught by Day's counter-offensive on the inside in the second, the Warrior began to get into his stride.

With his jab finally finding its target, Warters was able to unload his dangerous left hook and twice in the third round and once in the fourth Day was caught before holding on and working the inside.

Again it was the left in the fifth that looked most likely to cause Day problems, while in the sixth Warters cut loose even sending his opponent's gum-shield spinning across the canvas.

However, the bigger shots from Warters cut no ice with referee Edwards with the result shared.

Day was called into the fight at late notice after the Warrior's original rival Michael Pinnock withdrew just days before.

Explained Warters: "The change of opponent really threw me.

"You have to be thorough in this game, in watching what your opponents can do, but I knew nothing of this kid.

"I didn't even know what he looked like. People might say this is an excuse, but you need to prepare properly for each fight.

"I thought for two weeks I was fighting Michael Pinnock and had prepared for him. I couldn't even get a tape on this lad."

Updated: 10:59 Friday, April 18, 2003