Billy Joe Saunders handed Chris Eubank Jr the first defeat of his professional career to retain his British, European and Commonwealth middleweight titles.

An entertaining fight which grew as it went on was decided by a split decision with the judges eventually handing the bout to Saunders.

Saunders was the winner on the cards of two judges - 115-114 and 115-113 their verdicts - but the other official scored th fight 116-113 in Eubank's favor.

Eubank added on BoxNation: "Hopefully we can do a rematch ASAP - I felt like I won the fight."

"I’ll be back in the gym tomorrow this isn’t the end," he said. "I’m coming for the British (title) again, hopefully we can do a rematch. I felt like I won the fight, but congratulations to him.

"He did what I thought he would do, boxed to the plan, early rounds came out strong. I felt like I overtook him, but the judges made their decision. I’ll be back."