Belfast boxer Tommy McCarthy suffered an agonising defeat to Chris Billam-Smith as he relinquished his European cruiserweight title in Essex.
McCarthy lost on a split decision, scored 116-112, 115-115, 116-115 in a very close contest which ebbed and flowed throughout.
Both fighters had recovered in the last year from defeats to Richard Riakporhe, with McCarthy on a run of five wins going into this bout.
Billam-Smith, trained by Shane McGuigan, said he was open to a rematch following a fight which was difficult to score and grueling on both fighters.
McCarthy suffered a cut midway through the fifth after a clash of heads and also survived a period where he visibly tired in the sixth round.
McCarthy finished strongly and both fighters left an acrimonious build-up behind to embrace at the finish.
The 116-112 scorecard differed from the close nature of the other two cards and the Belfast man left the ring after the announcement.
Carl Frampton was in the corner for McCarthy, while Barry McGuigan was alongside his son Shane, the first time Frampton and his former manager have been in a boxing environment since their court case concluded.
