Dorian Darch missed out on the chance to become a world champion bareknuckle boxer on Saturday night, after picking up a sickening injury in the fourth round of his fight with Jody Meikle.
The fight was the main event at BKB 24, which was hosted at the Indigo at London's O2, with the vacant world heavyweight title at stake.
Despite seemingly being in the ascendancy during a bruising opening three rounds, a sharp jab opened up a nasty cut under the eye of the Welsh fighter.
Warning: this article contains pictures of the injuries
Eventually, in the fourth round, Darch's injuries were deemed too serious to continue, and the fight was stopped, handing the victory (and the title) to Meikle.
The extent of the stomach-turning cut was there for all to see on the night, and needed to be glued shut by doctors, before later being bandaged up.
Darch also suffered swelling to his hands after the fight, although the damage done seemingly did little to dampen his spirits afterwards.
The 37-year-old took to Twitter to congratulate his opponent, and hinted that he was keen for a rematch.
He wrote: "Gutted this morning but massive thanks to everyone who supported me and my sponsor. Lungs and chin held up, just my ginger skin let me down lol. Hats off to @jody_meikle cut me to ribbons lol. Gentleman of a bloke and hopefully we can run it back again."
Speaking about his grisly injuries, Darch told WalesOnline: "It didn't hurt in all fairness. My hand is a bit sore now but not during the fight because of the adrenaline.
"I'm sound butt. Just gutted with the way it ended as I was winning comfortably.
"A rematch was mentioned on Saturday, but I haven't nagged the promoters as they have got enough to do this week paying boys etc.
"I hope for the rematch and Jody is a gentleman so I'm sure he will give it to me."
