LEE McGregor has vowed to bounce back after being left “absolutely heartbroken” by the first defeat of his professional career.
The boxing star came into the bout with Erik Robles Ayala looking to lift the vacant IBO World Super Bantamweight title in front of a packed crowd at Edinburgh’s Meadowbank Sports Centre.
Instead, it was the Mexican who was having his hand raised at the end of 12 gruelling rounds screened live on Channel 5.
Judges awarded the fight to Robles, who has also suffered one defeat in his professional career, 115-113, 116-113 and 115-113.
McGregor, who lives in Blindwells, took to social media following the bout and thanked everyone for their support.
The previously unbeaten boxer fell to the canvas when the decision was announced and was “absolutely heartbroken”.
He said: “Last night didn’t go my way but please believe me I will be back.
“A few issues beforehand didn’t help me but take nothing away from Erik Robles a true warrior and a pleasure to be involved in an unbelievable fight.
“Edinburgh. . . thank you for turning out: the support was amazing and a night I will never forget!
“I never shy away from a challenge and I’d rather be remembered for being a warrior who will fight anyone rather than be someone who takes no risks!
“Nobody would’ve blamed me if I turned down that opportunity last night considering the circumstances and setbacks I’ve had to overcome these last few years.”
Former world champion Josh Taylor was at ringside to cheer on McGregor, who made his debut on the undercard of the Prestonpans fighter’s victory over Miguel Vazquez in Edinburgh in 2017.
Ahead of the bout, McGregor had spoken about wanting to make up for lost time.
The 26-year-old had only fought twice since June 2021 and said: “It has been a long time coming.
“I was getting spoken about as Britain’s next world champion and tipped to be going on to big things.
“That was ripped away from me and I believe I should be already there.”
McGregor, originally from Edinburgh, was enjoying a short break in Turkey when he spoke to Courier Sport on Tuesday afternoon.
He was “definitely” keen for a rematch and was confident the outcome against his 23-year-old rival would be reversed.
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