Lynes had won the title from Barry Morrison in june 2007

Colin Lynes lost his European light-welterweight title on a split decision to Italian former champion Gianluca Branco in Turin on Friday.

Despite being floored in round two by a left hook, veteran Branco was scored 114-113 twice, with a third judge carding the fight 115-113 for Lynes.

The Essex boxer said: "I felt I won it and didn't feel it was slipping away.

"With the knockdown as well - what more could you do over here? I felt I did the cleaner work, I'm gutted."