Chris Eubank Junior felt he had done enough to win after he lost by a split decision to Billy Joe Saunders last night at the ExCel in a thrilling battle.

The Brighton middleweight went 12 rounds for the first time in his career before losing as the judges scored it 115-114 (Saunders), 116-113 (Eubank Jr) and 115-113 (Saunders).

Eubank Jr, son of former two-weight world champion Chris senior, said: "I thought I won the fight but congratulations to him.

" He boxed the plan, he come out strong. I feel like I overtook him but the judges made their decision. I'll be back."

Saunders, 25, successfully defended his European, British and Commonwealth belts and now becomes the mandatory challenger for the winner of the vacant WBO world title fight between Matt Korobov and Andy Lee.