Essex University welterweight Jason Veares lost out on a controversial decision to undefeated home boxer Jonathan Francios, in Portsmouth.

Veares, boxing at 69 kilogrammes, has been in fine form this season and has won most of his bouts.

He went into the contest, which was contested over three, three-minute rounds with no head guards, in confident mood.

From the opening bell, Veares was accurate with his left jab, finding his range and racking up the points.

The Portsmouth boxer appeared to be struggling, especially when Veares held the centre of the ring and put combinations together.

Veares stamped his authority on the bout early on.

But in the second round, the Essex University boxer allowed Francios to push forward.

It take him out of his comfort zone in the opening minute, with the Portsmouth boxer leading off with combinations.

But Veares returned back with his jab and appeared to regain the initiative, in the second part of the round.

The Essex University boxer stepped out in the third round, using his jab again.

He kept his guard high, preventing Francois from sneaking through with his own punches.

Veares landed a solid uppercut and a fast combination, with Francios struggling to land many punches together.

Although Francios’ enjoyed his best period in the final 20 seconds of the contest, it did not look as though he had done enough to win.

So when the Portsmouth boxer was given victory by a split verdict, it came as something of a surprise to many and was a disappointing outcome for Veares.