Lisa Brierley, a 22-year-old Muay Thai boxer from St Neots, lost out on an English title in Telford on Saturday night – but gave it her best shot against respected Mancunian Vicky Woulfe.

Brierley has been fighting at the St Neots Muay Club for seven years and earned her shot at the title by winning the Midlands title and beating No 5 ranked Briton Jade Sandlan at Bolton Wanderers Football Club.

But the fight with Woulfe, for the United Kingdom Muay Thai Federation title at junior fly weight, proved a step too far – for the time being. Despite the doctor being called upon to see to a large cut sustained above an eye by Woulfe, Brierley lost on a judges’ decision.

Her coach, Paul Wallis, who runs the St Neots club and is a judge and referee for the UKMTF, told The Hunts Post: “If it had been a non title fight it would have been a draw but title bouts need a winner and the split decision went to the home team.

“It was a very close fight and I believe the decision should have gone to Lisa. You will often get a wrong decision in Thai boxing like in any sport.

“The judges may have been influenced by the packed out home crowd or the fact they were all local officials and knew her opponent and the opponents’ club well.

“Either way, you have to try and respect the judges’ decision although as a judge and a referee myself I had Lisa ahead in at least three of the five rounds.”

Brierley has already been granted a re-match which will take place next year but first she will be involved in the full contact English Eliminator Championships in November.

Also competing in that event from the St Neots club will be Marcus Compton – a previous Muay Thai English title holder – and Gibson Gibby, who recently won his first professional debut bout in Bedford.