DESPITE getting off the canvas twice, Bradford boxer Darren Tetley could not prevent being dealt with his first professional loss, as he was outpointed by Liam Taylor.

The Holme Wood fighter was aiming to guarantee himself a shot at Chris Jenkins' British and Commonwealth welterweight titles in this eliminator, but he just struggled to get the better of the Middleton man.

It was the two flash knockdowns and Taylor's raw power that won the bout on the crowdless MTK Global show in Wakefield.

Tetley, whose record now stands at 20-1, looked the better boxer early on, and enjoyed a stellar first round. Sharp jabs, nifty movement and ferocious uppercuts were all features.

The Bradfordian's world almost came tumbling down in the second though. Taylor was beginning to target the body and gaining some success. A huge short left hand to that area made Tetley take a knee. If an audience was present, they would have gasped in shock.

As, the ex-WBO European champion slumped into his stool at the interval, the instructions from head trainer Mick Marsden were simple, 'you must get back to your boxing and use the jab'.

However, Tetley's night just went from bad to worse as his 29-year-old opponent wasn't finished showing further evidence of the power he possessed.

Taylor, who had sparred namesake and super lightweight world champion Josh in preparation, addressed the solar plexus again before shooting to the head which forced Tetley to take the count in the third.

It is said you only see what a man is really made of when he is down, and 'TNT' certainly showed his warrior mentality post the knockdowns.

On the eye, he boxed well in that southpaw stance, but when Taylor was in close range his hefty punches impressed. The fourth was brilliant with the pair sharing their own spells of brilliance.

As the fifth commenced, the contest had a old school British title feel. At one point, from defending on the ropes, Tetley fired a menacing left hook counter to wobble the tough Taylor.

After exchanging the following two rounds, each fighter was throwing well before getting caught because they couldn't move their feet quick enough to escape the dangerous mid-range. Nevertheless, it made for an exhilarating slugfest affair.

As the pair embraced pre-final round, Tetley had to go win this one to have a chance. The 27-year-old utilised his jab to perfection, something he should have been doing more throughout the night.

With the judges scorecards 96-93, 96-93 and 95-93 in favour of the North West boxer, you feel without the knockdowns Tetley would be waking up this morning in a better mood.

However, he should attach no shame to his battling performance and if anything the fight may have done wonders for his career. Showing he can be involved in these entertaining brawls, will surely earn him more opportunities on the big stage.

Don't worry, Darren will come again!