JOHN Brennan admits to being gutted after his defeat to Asinia Byfield at York Hall in London.

Brennan, 31, challenged Byfield for his Southern Area title and the Slough sensation was boxing well until the referee stopped the fight in the sixth round.

The Don argues the referee took the ‘easy way out’ but believes his performance proves he belongs in future title fights.

Brennan told the Observer: “I had a lot of plaudits afterwards saying what a fight I put up and what a great show it was, but I was gutted with the end result as it robbed me of any closure.

“At the time my pride hurt a lot because I made a lot of sacrifices for the fight. You don’t play boxing at all so I was really hurt. I would rather go out on my shield than not have closure.

“On reflection, it was a good performance while it lasted and showed that boxing for a title is where I belong.”

On the stoppage, Brennan said: “I was getting stronger as the rounds went by when the referee stepped in. He decided to stop the fight but the disappointing thing was there were no major or clean shots thrown.

“I definitely think it was an easy way out for a referee who wasn’t up for the occasion. It was a premature stoppage but I will go again for the Southern Area title.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO - John Brennan: “Asina has got the belt but I will go again with him no problem. There's nothing to suggest that I can't beat him."

“I boxed to the plan but got caught with a silly shot when the stoppage came. I swung out to attack but he threw a pot shot that took me off balance. He didn’t hurt me, it was just a range finder. He didn’t hit me clean but the referee jumped in.

"I was so gutted because I had just had my best round, pushing him onto the ropes and landing shots, and he didn't land a glove on me. I was boxing really well and hitting him with combinations.

"His shots didn't hurt but they were scoring with the judges, and I've learnt that when I'm out of range to keep my arms in tight.

"He switched up a bit and used it to good effect. He was very sharp and evasive when he needed o be."

Looking ahead to the future, Brennan added: “I've got a date in April to fight on one of my managers shows, maybe for a challenge title. That will give me options for the summer but I want the Southern Area title regardless of who has it.

“Asina has got the belt but I will go again with him no problem. There's nothing to suggest that I can't beat him."