THIS time last week, Bradford's Jermaine Springer was about to begin the biggest week of his life. The light heavyweight boxer entered the 'bubble' at The SSE Arena, Wembley with intentions to break out and make a name for himself on the TV stage.

Unfortunately for him, it didn't quite work out as planned with Tony Bellew protege Thomas Whittaker Hart gaining a 79-74 victory.

Nevertheless, the whole experience was more than worth it for the former Eccleshill United footballer turned fighter.

"I have that taste of the TV now and I want more," Springer said.

"It has been really humbling to get a good reaction. I am glad I gave a good account of myself.

"Some people thought I won, some say I nicked a draw, and others had Hart. That was a fair verdict."

From the onset, Springer was eager to close the distance of the rangy favourite.

He was having early success, utilizing his jab well, shocking his 4-0 opponent who had gained all his experience in the amateur ranks as a former Team GB member.

At times, the Bradfordian would jump in with powerful assaults and get caught by clever counters which would become more prominent as the bout progressed.

Hart came into his own during the middle rounds, boxing well off the back foot.

In round five, Springer steamed out but again it was the Liverpudlian who produced the better work targeting the body.

The 25-year-old landed big towards the end of the sixth and was met with a lively response, it was more than competitive.

With both men competing over the eight round distance for the first time, close range became the theme in the final two rounds.

This suited the away fighter who was giving it his all, attempting to fire lead rights whilst maintaining that controlled aggression.

In the end, referee Bob Williams scorecard was a tad wide but the right man won the fight, and Springer admitted that.

He said: "The plan was the longer the rounds went on the more frustrated he would get. He wanted to impress and get that stunning knockout.

"It was educated pressure without doing anything silly. I made that mistake in the fight that I lost (against Boris Crighton) by getting caught early and not recovering.

"He (Hart) is a real good fighter. I possibly gave him a bit too much respect. I expected him to be a little bit better.

"Hundreds of amateur fights and winning national titles, I expected something special. It was a competitive fight.

"Everytime I came in close he would counter. I wanted to get my punches off a bit more and put the pressure on but I found it difficult.

"I admit that I lost the fight but the scorecard was really disappointing. I understand why he got the win but they didn’t give me the credit which I thought I deserved.

"I would like to thank all my sponsors; Red Group Scaffolding, Janan, Cha Cha Chai, Bankhead Group, Ultra Flex Gym and Ris London."

It was a fight week like no other for Springer. Covid tests, isolation and social distancing was all part of his trip to London.

One particular event during his five days down south caused him the most problems.

"The first press conference on the Wednesday. I was dreading it and everyone in the room could tell," he added.

"I overheard my opponent's corner saying he's scared. I was more apprehensive more about the press conference than I was for the fight."

So the Sky Sports cameras may have caused some nerves but it was roles reversed when it came down to the moment that mattered.

"I was in the changing rooms headphones on with my coach wrapping my hands. Then I can see him getting angry.

"He says ‘I have never seen you this calm before. Normally when I am doing this I can feel your hands shake like your nervous. You are as cool as a cucumber’

"This is the biggest stage and it was the least nervous I have been."

Hart's manager Bellew was his usual colourful self throughout the build-up and on the night.

Although, Springer disagreed with what he did after the fight, he understands what benefits having a former world champion in your corner can bring.

"He is clever with what he does and knows the triggers. He said before the fight that he wants Thomas to knock me out early and render me unconscious.

"The worst thing that goes through your head is getting knocked out in front of your family and friends. When he said that, it brought that negative thought.

"(After the fight) He came up to me shook my hand and said 'you have a hell of a chin mate'. I just thought I hadn’t taken a battering. I thought he was going to say well done, what an idiot!

"He has so much experience and influence he can pass on so he will be amazing for Thomas in the future. He is probably one of the best people you can have."

Springer thinks this is only the start for what could be a promising future in the sport for himself.

"My manager said my next fight is going to be on a similar platform and I can’t ask for anymore than that.

"I have my own ambitions. A British title is achievable."