 Magee's late knockdown of the champion wasn't enough |
Northern Ireland's Eamonn Magee failed in his attempt to claim the European light-welterweight title in Germany.
All three judges gave the points verdict to champion Oktay Urkal although Magee claimed afterwards that a deliberate second round headbutt had changed the course of the contest.
Magee did floor Urkal in the 10th round but while he did come forward throughout the contest, the German-based Turk controlled the majority of the exchanges.
The three judges scored it 116-112, 115-112 and 116-112.
Magee started the better in what was a bad-tempered bout with both boxers engaging in verbal confrontations at every opportunity.
He twice landed good shots in the opening round but Urkal's chin looked strong and the Turk also gained an advantage in the second round in the clash of heads which cut Magee.
Urkal finally began to impose himself in the third with a nice combination which included a body shot and a right to the head.
Magee found his range with two shots early in the fifth round but Urkal stormed back to land a significant right to the head which created a cut to Magee's right eye.
 The cut in the second was definitely caused by a deliberate butt |
The Irishman hit back in the ninth with a heavy blow which caused blood to flow from the nose of his opponent.
Urkal was floored in the 10th with a right hook but appeared unhurt.
The 12th, and final, round saw the predictable flurry of punches from both men but Urkal knew he had it in the bag and stayed well out of reach of Magee's bigger shots.
"The cut in the second was definitely caused by a deliberate butt," said Magee.
"My vision was blurred after that.
"He was annoying me a lot because he was using his head.
"He caught me with a lot of slaps but the referee didn't pull him up on any of it.
"I think if I was at home I might have got the decision.
"He didn't hurt me once and he can't punch at all".
The win means Urkal improves his record to 33 wins, 10 coming via a knock-out, and one defeat.
Magee now has 24 wins and four losses in his 28 fights.
MMIX
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