LEE Purdy lost out in his challenge for the European welterweight title.

In a brave performance he was stopped in the 12th round against Italy’s Leonard Bundu at the Excel Arena in London when the referee called a halt to the fight.

The Colchester boxer, who lost to then IBF welterweight champion Devon Alexander in May, started well, staggering Bundu with the first punch he threw.

Purdy also landed some good body shots in the early rounds.

But in the fifth round Bundu changed tactics and started to get the upper hand.

Bundu looked like he was tiring in rounds six and seven but in the eighth he started moving around the ring and catching Purdy with fast combinations and started getting on top.

Round nine saw the Italian landing solid punches from the start and Purdy was beginning to look tired.

In the final round Purdy was floored with 28 seconds left in the bout.

Purdy got back up but was receiving severe punishment from Bundu and the referee stopped the fight with eight seconds left.