Furious trainer Steve Whitwell slammed a dreadful refereeing decision after Huntingdon fighter Matty Parr saw his return to the ring end in a draw.

Whitwell was adamant his St Ives Boxing Academy charge did more than enough to defeat Andy Neylon in a cruiserweight bout at a show in Norwich last Friday night.

But the man in the middle had other ideas despite Parr dominating in his first outing for nine months and flooring his Hull-based opponent in the last of four rounds.

“It wasn’t just myself and Matty dismayed at the decision,” said Whitwell. “Everyone in the venue was just as shocked as we were!

“I have no idea what fight the referee was watching, but it couldn’t have been the one taking place right in front of him.

“Matty easily won the first round, did enough to win the third round and should have had a two-point round for knocking his opponent down in the last round.

“Most people had him winning the second round as well even though he got caught by a few straight shots, so it should have been a clear victory for him.

“We’re both very disappointed with the outcome, but Matty can be pleased with the way he performed.

“He boxed to instruction, didn’t get involved in a war, and showed plenty of improvement.”

Parr now boasts one win, one draw and one loss on his three-fight professional record.

He is likely to be back in the ring in the autumn.