HOLLAND Shore Boxing Club's Oliver Dragisic was unlucky to lose on a split points decision against England international and European bronze medal winner Ryan Dickens, from Salisbury ABC, in Liverpool.

Both got off to a slow start, showing lots of respect for each other.

However, it was Dragisic who tried to force the action, with the Salisbury boy moving and using the ring but little scoring taking place.

The second round followed the same pattern, with Dragisic forcing the pace.

The action was messy, though, with Dickens constantly holding as Dragisic walked forward.

The first two rounds were close as the action was slow, with Dickens trying to stem the Holland Shore boxer's workrate with single left hands on the retreat around the ring.

However, he may have edged one of the two rounds to be in front.

The third round changed, though, as Dragisic closed in on Dickens, who was now being constantly backed to the ropes with both boys unloading with hurtful combinations.

It was Dragisic who kept the workrate going to win a comfortable third round, although losing out on a close split points decision.

Dragisic's last two contests, which have both been against English and Welsh internationals, show what he can achieve in the future.