A bemused Kevin Hammond has vowed to set the record straight and win the Midlands Area light-middleweight title when he fights Martin Concepcion again in April.

The 29-year-old lost out to the Leicester champion by one point in a controversial clash at Nottingham's Harvey Hadden Lesiure Centre on Friday night.

Hammond felt sure he had won the Midlands title from Concepcion as did promoter Frank Maloney and many pundits around the ring.

But, on the bell, referee Shaun Messer raised the hand of Concepcion as the 28-year-old retained his title and booked his place in SKY TV's Prize Fighter – The Light Middleweights on February 26.

Hammond will be a substitute for that televised show, but that did not make up for the disappointment of losing his second professional bout.

"Everyone thought that I had got the decision but that is how it goes sometimes," reflected a visibly upset Hammond.

"The referee said he gave the fight to Concepcion on the strength of the last round, but that more than any, I thought, was my round.

"Concepcion even said that had it not been a title fight, he would have not been aggrieved had it been a draw, but I can't take it away from him, he won the fight.

"I will put it right in April though."

Hammond landed the better puches and shook Concepcion on a couple of occasions but failed to finish his former sparring partner off.

Concepcion did show at times, but for the majority of the contest, Hammond put up a sturdy defence and looked the hungrier fighter.

"He is supposed to be this big hitter but he did not hurt me once," said Hammond.

"I did not take a step back all the way through the fight and I had him rocked on a few occasions.

"I admit I could have been better and I could have gone for him when I had him wobbled but I tried to pace myself as I had never gone 10 rounds before.

"He has had twice as many fights, but when I had him rocked I should have finished him off and had him out of there.

"I know I could have done it, but I will learn from the fight and bounce back."