JOHN BRENNAN has opened his heart over the decision to take a break from boxing following his controversial disqualification.

Brennan, 31, and his opponent Sonny Whiting were disqualified at the end of the second round for continuing to fight after the bell sounded.

The Slough boxer has admitted to losing his temper during the contest in Tolworth, but has also criticised the decision from referee Lee Every.

“I didn’t get any public warning before the disqualification. I let my opponent get away with blue murder, he was using underhand tactics, and was given a warning (one point deducted in the second round),” Brennan explained to the Observer.

“It’s a testosterone-fuelled sport and he went for me after the bell so I lost my temper and hit him.

“It will go down on my record as a no-contest but I just think the referee bottled it. Both boxers went back to their corners and were not unattainable but I just think he didn’t want to be there. It calmed down as soon as it flared up.

“I’ve been boxing ever since I was a teenager and never seen this referee on the circuit before, amateur or professional.”

Despite the controversy over the dual-disqualification, Brennan admits he needs a break from the sport and will re-assess his options in September.

“I definitely felt flat on the night, even in the build-up,” he said. “I normally have fire in my belly but felt flat and need to take a break.

“The build-up and training went well but I struggled to get motivated for a routine, small hall fight. I need a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, a carrot dangled in front of me, otherwise it’s not worthwhile.

“It’s a lot of work selling the tickets and training and I’ve made a lot of sacrifices.

“I could train until I’m blue in the face but decisions from the referees are costing me, so I will take a break this summer and re-asses in September.

“I’m not going anywhere and will not do anything else. Boxing is what I was born to do but everyone needs a rest so I will see what options are open to me in September.”