Northampton boxer Conway vows to return 'a better fighter' after narrow defeat in Texas

Kieron Conway on the attack in his defeat to Souleymane Cissokho

The 25-year-old turned in a solid performance over 10 rounds at the AT&T Arena, but lost out to the 2016 Olympics bronze medalist on a split decision and lost his WBA Intercontinental super-welterweight title in the process.

It was only the second defeat of Conway's 19-fight professional career, and his first in any fight scheduled for more than three rounds, with his only other loss being to Derrick Osaze in the Ultimate Boxxer competiton in 2019.

Cissokho put in an impressive performance and won on the cards of two of the three judges ringside, but was also sent to the canvas by Conway in round nine.

Kieron Conway takes to the ring at the AT&T Arena

The 29-year-old was caught with an uppercut, but beat the count and recovered to fend off an attack from Conway who was sensing a big victory, but the Northampton man didn't quite do enough to grab the victory in front of a crowd of more than 60,000.

Writing on social media, Conway who fights out of the Team Shoe-Box gym on Harlestone Road in Northampton, said: "Well, didn’t get the result I went for but I’ve learned a hell of a lot of about myself.

"What an incredible experience it was from the couple of days I got to Texas, to the media, to performing in front of 60,000 fans - they were amazing fans in the stadium!

"It was an eye opener for me, and this loss will not define me. It has already made me a better fighter.

Souleymane Sissokho takes evasive action from Kieron Conway

"I lost my title, but I’m coming back for more! Don’t call it a comeback!!"

And he added: "I have got a long road ahead and I’ll be back soon! Watch this space!!"

Cissokho, who now has 13 wins out of 13 as a professional, was full of admiration for Conway, but felt he was a deserving winner.

"I am very happy," said Cissokho. "It was a good fight, and like I have said before Conway is a good boxer.

Kieron Conway congratulates Souleymane Cissokho on his victory

"He had said he was going to teach me all about professional boxing, but I was good.

"Conway is a good fighter and I give him respect. We had to work very hard in the training camp to prepare for this, and I now can't wait to get out an defend my belt now.

"I felt I had done enough, and I don't know why one of the judges gave the fight to Conway, because I felt I controlled the fight. I was moving well, and I could see everything."

Asked about the ninth-round knockdown, Cissokho said: "He caught me with his thumb, and it was very hard because I was blind, I couldn't see, but I have gained a lot of experience from this fight.

"After the knock down it wasn't easy, but I already knew I had won the fight so I just kept moving.

"I am not that big for this weight, and Conway was bigger than me, but I was good."