Lenny Daws admits he feared the worst as he heard the judge’s verdict after his British Light-Welterweight title battle with Jason Cook - but has vowed to move on following the controversial draw.

The Morden star looked to have done enough to earn the decision, coming on strong in the latter rounds to have most ringside pundits acknowledging him as winner.

But the judges saw different, with one awarding the win to each fighter and the final scoring it a draw.

Daws said: “I thought I had done enough to win the fight but when the first judge’s score was read out I thought ‘hang on am I going to lose this?’ “I am absolutely gutted with a draw but at least it means I keep my belt.

“I have no idea whether there will be a rematch as I am not sure he would want one, but I am just looking to move forward.

“It is not a loss and I’m still champion so there is no need to get too downhearted.”

Daws was rocked to his boots by a big left hook in the opening round and cut under his left eye early as the Welsh challenger started fast.

But the 31-year-old displayed all his trademark grit as he dug in to dominate the last five rounds.

Daws added: “I just could not get him out of there and that was disappointing.

“If it would have gone on for another round I think I would have stopped him as he was looking for a way out.

“I knew he was going to start strong and he did catch me.

“But my corner told me to just keep doing what I was doing and it would come good.”

Daws was cheered on by a sizeable group of fans that made the York Hall in Bethnal Green a cauldron of noise.

And the Morden man paid tribute to his following.

He added: “The fanbase is getting bigger and bigger each fight and that is great to see.

“They made a lot of noise and I am really grateful for them coming.

“I’m not sure when I will be back in the ring - I am going to take some time out and have a rest first.

“But I only need one more defence for the Lonsdale Belt and that is my number one priority.”