Devine suffers defeat on comeback

The 27-year-old, who was fighting in his first bout since September last year, was facing Anwar, 25, who had lost 10 of his previous 15 bouts.

In a cagey opening to the fight, Devine stepped in and out of range well and not giving Anwar time to set his feet.

During round two, Anwar came out on the front foot jabbing well as Devine was caught a lot with solid left hooks and straight rights from his opponent.

The pair then got involved in a scrap on the ropes in the third round, with Devine landing a solid right hand, before rounds four, five and six saw both fighters utilise their jabs as often as they could.

The closing stages of the final round saw the fight become a toe-to-toe scrap, with referee Reece Carter scoring the contest 58-57 in favour of Anwar.

Afterwards, Devine tweeted: “Tough old week for me losing two people close to me in the space of few days an then not getting the decision last night, have to keep working.”

Devine is due to fight in Ireland later this month.