Ricky Burns dug deep into his reserves but lost his super-lightweight unification clash against Julius Indongo on points at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow
The 34-year-old from Coatbridge had put his WBA belt on the line, with the unbeaten Namibian putting his IBF and IBO titles up for grabs, and it was the impressive visitor who left with all three.
Scotland's first three-weight world champion endured a tough night against the awkward and rangy southpaw, who extended his record to 22-0.
It was a bridge too far for Burns, fighting his 48th bout, who lost out 120-108, 118-110 and 116-112 to no real displeasure from the crowd.
Indongo had made a cut-throat sign to Burns at the weigh-in on Friday afternoon at the St Enoch centre in Glasgow.
However, there appeared to be little real niggle between the two fighters in the build-up to the encounter.
Burns was on the back foot from the first bell as Indongo came in swinging, marking the cheek of the Coatbridge fighter in the first round, albeit it may have come from a clash of heads.
The African connected with a couple of fine left hooks in the second and it was not until the next round that the Scot really began to find the target.
The crowd had been subdued by Indongo and they were looking for something to cheer.
Burns tried to control the centre of the ring in the fourth but ended up on the retreat again, although his defence was solid enough.
The local fighter showcased more of his talent in the next couple of rounds and the fans came alive in the sixth when a thumping right hand found its way through but Indongo's reach advantage continued to pose problems.
The man from Namibia looked to be running out of steam which made it easier for Burns to connect and the seventh was his best round with a couple of good combinations no doubt impressing the judges.
The fans sensed the contest might be turning towards their man but Indongo responded in the eighth with some powerful rights and once again Burns was on the defensive and looking ill at ease.
Back came the irrepressible Burns with a flurry to get the crowd on their feet again but it was looking like the home town boy needed a big finish to the fight.
Round 10 was a bit of a breather for both men and the penultimate three minutes saw Burns try to put pressure on but he could not get his opponent pinned back for long enough.
The final round saw Burns go to the floor. It was deemed a slip but a sense of foreboding enveloped the arena, confirmed by the judges' scorecards.
Source: PA
