Lisa loses on points at EU Championships

The 31-year-old flyweight ace lost a tight decision to Bulgaria’s Gabriela Dimitrova after the three-round contest held in Cascia, Italy, yesterday.

A former champion of the tournament – she won gold in the 54kg weight category four years ago, Whiteside went into the competition with high hopes.

After stopping Croatia’s Anita Kljajic in the opening round of her first bout, the JR Gym fighter knew she was one win away from picking up at least a bronze.

However, against a tall, awkward southpaw, Whiteside found herself on the wrong end of the decision. By the look on her face as she vacated the ring at the end, it was clears to see that she felt she had done enough to win the contest.

The opening minute of the first round was a cagey affair with the the rangy Dimitrova managingto keep her smaller opponent at arm’s length with her right jab.Occupying the centre of the ring, Whiteside attempted to come inside and connected with one swinging right hand which saw Dimitrova stumble back into the ropes.

The Preston boxer continuedto take the fight to her opponent and connected with another right-hander early, but her opponent was proving to be elusive and scored with some shots herself on the counter.

Whiteside gave it everything in the final round as both women opened up.

The 2014 World Championship silver medal winner appeared to put Dimitrova on the floor, but the referee signalled that the Bulgarian had slipped.

Unfortunately after the final bell came, it was Dimitrova whose hand was held aloft.