Gallagher digs deep but fails to land

Paddy Gallagher was edged out after a tight duel with Freddy Kiwitt for the vacant WBO European welterweight title in the York Hall Bethnal Green last night.

Belfast man Gallagher found himself on the canvas in the fifth and eighth rounds, though neither blow had any lasting effect.

Both knockdowns came at a time when Gallagher seemed to be in control and ultimately proved costly as one judge scored it a draw, 95-95, and the other two ruled in favour of Kiwitt, 95-93 and 95-94.

"Credit to Paddy Gallagher, he came to fight and brought a lot of pressure but I had my game plan and got the win," said Kiwitt.

In the early stages Gallagher was clearly landing the heavier blows but at times he was allowing himself to be outworked by the hit and move tactics of Kiwitt.

The German-born fighter did not seem to have the power to trouble Gallagher who suddenly hit the canvas when caught square by a cuffing left hook.

Gallagher continued to march forward with varied success and then stumbled to the canvas again in the eighth.

Despite some late pressure from Gallagher, it wasn't enough and this defeat will come as a major blow.