Colchester welterweight Lee Purdy produced a gutsy display before being pulled out by his corner after seven rounds against IBF champion Devon Alexander in Atlantic City on Saturday night. Alexander (25-1, 14 KO) dominated the contest from the outset, landing numerous heavy blows despite having hurt his left hand in the opening round, with stand-in trainer Darren Barker throwing in the towel in round seven to save his man from further punishment.

"I was gutted (about being pulled out)," Purdy said on Sky Sports 1. "I'd have stayed in there till the end, without doubt, but I have to respect my corner's decision. I love Darren. I live to fight another day, but I'm devastated at the moment."

Middleweight contender Barker, who made the call in the absence of trainer Tony Simms, explained: "He's one of my good friends. I'm thinking of his interests. Why would I want him to get dragged out of there? He's a young man with a big future ahead of him.

"He put in a fantastic effort - you've just found out what Lee's all about. But this is a sport - you've got to think of his health, first and foremost. He's in there with a great champion and he did us all so proud."