Point taken off costs Josh Burke a draw

Wolverhampton's Josh Burke was left to rue a point deduction that caused his defeat to nemesis Courtney Richards in Plymouth last night.

[gallery]

Burke was docked one point for persistent pushing in the third round by the referee and it ended up costing him a draw, writes Craig Birch.

Their cruiserweight six-rounder provided chief support on the bill at the Guildhall, with Burke stepping up in distance after just one pro outing.

He covered from a shaky start as Richards, the far more experienced man competing in his 12th pro bout, pinned him down to throw punches that often found their target.

Burke retreated in the corner and moved out of range in the second, fending his opponent off with a regular jab as Richards tried to cut the ring off.

That point off in the third from the man in the middle proved to be a major factor, as both men traded blows from then on.

There wasn't much to pick between the two fighters at the final bell, but it was Richards who got the nod by a 58-57 verdict. Both won two rounds apiece, with another two drawn.

A creditable performance saw Burke, 29, leave with respect for his performance but he'll be disappointed at losing again to his Devon foe, who also beat him in the amateur code.

[interruptor]