Robert Caswell played his part in a brilliant southern area title fight at York Hall but was the beaten man.

Caswell’s only previous professional loss had come against Michael Webber-Kane - 16 months earlier in his first area title fight - and he came up short again at York Hall in a points loss to Numan Hussain on Friday night.

Chatham boxer Caswell had said the fight was the biggest of his career, and was billed by the promoters as “now or never” for the two men boxing over 10 rounds for the Southern Area Super Featherweight title.

Hussain won the belt, with referee Mark Bates scoring it 96-93 in favour of the man from Camden Town.

Caswell was described as “brave, gallant and talented” by the show’s announcer at the end of a thrilling contest.

It hadn’t been a great start for Caswell, dropping to his knee just 90 seconds into the opening round, following a short right hand blow to his face from Hussain.

Caswell fought back in the second round and was having more success with his jab in the third.

As Caswell was getting back on top, Hussain found some joy with his right hand again in round four, but the Medway man was still enjoying some success himself.

Both fighters had put plenty into the early rounds, with each landing some big blows.

Hussain - who had gone the distance in a drawn contest for the same title with Frank Arnold back in February - looked on top in rounds eight and nine but Caswell kept at it and remained a threat, despite plenty of swelling below his left eye.

It was a big final round for Caswell, needing a stoppage to get the win. Despite a grueling fight, the Medway fighter managed to find energy from within to keep the contest alive right until the final bell.

Caswell was pictured giving his fans a thumbs-up on Instagram afterwards, sporting a black eye and writing: “Not to be…physically fine, just my pride hurts.”

He added: “Thanks to all who came out in your numbers. Your support is second to none.”

Caswell had gone into the fight with four straight points wins behind him, working his way back into the area contention after losing his last title fight against Michael Webber-Kane. He fought at late notice after an injury to Arnold opened the door to face Hussain.

He was feeling good after wins over Karl Sampson, Kasey Bradnum, Brayan Mairena and Fonz Alexander - his previous win coming just two months earlier.

Caswell said he’d take a few weeks off “to let the body heal, and (then) sit down with the team and see what’s next.”