Eastman career pictures

Howard Eastman has now lost two world title tilts, but this should in no way undermine a superb career.

He remains European middleweight champion and acquitted himself well against Bernard Hopkins in Los Angeles, before being craftily outpointed by the best boxer in the world pound-for-pound.

The loss will be all the more difficult to stomach because Eastman had to wait so long between title fights.

After losing a controversial point's decision to William Joppy in 2001 for the WBA world title, the Briton took almost a year out from the sport.

He returned to his native Guyana before hooking up with promoter Mick Hennessy.

EASTMAN FACT FILE Born: 08/12/1970 Turned pro: 06/03/1994 Divison: Middleweight Record: 40-2-0 Alias: The Battersea Bomber Height: 5ft 11in Reach: 74in Trainer: Robert McCracken Promoter: Mick Hennessy

"Even when it's hard, painful and lonely you build yourself mentally to overcome the pain barrier and think about your aspirations and dreams," Eastman told BBC Sport.

His dream of being a boxer stems from being bullied at school whilst in the Caribbean.

The middleweight said: "This guy was bullying everyone, and just from sheer frustration I decided to lash out.

"He never bullied anyone again, and from that moment on I decided I wanted to be a champion."

The BBC wants a world title and I am here to bring it home Howard Eastman

Eastman describes himself as a simple man who just tells it as it is but, likes to be different, not to follow everyone and do everything they do.

Whatever you think of the Eastman image, beneath it lies a true world class fighter.

His trainer Robert McCracken feels he is the best pound-for-pound fighter in Britain and can go on to be the number one middleweight in the world.

And Eastman undoubtedly rules the roost in the East London gym where he trains.

KEY FIGHTS 10/04/2001: Beats Robert McCracken in Wembley to win the European and British belts 17/11/2001: Controversially loses a 12-round WBA fight to William Joppy in Las Vegas

He describes the gym as "a family home, although I am here to do a job which is to work and learn".

Watching Eastman train is mesmerizing.

He has concussive power in every shot he throws, from a rapier-like left jab to his classy combination punches.

And coupled with undoubted talent is supreme confidence.

After losing to Hopkins, Eastman virtually accused his conqueror of running scared and demanded a second crack.

"He didn't fight like a true champion - he has got to give me a rematch," said the Londoner.

That is unlikely to happen, but Hopkins, 40, is set to bow out this year.