Alex Winwood has declared he will be back, and will earn another shot at a dream world title after a heartbreaking majority but close decision loss to WBA minimumweight world champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong in Perth on Saturday.
At the end of 12 rounds, Niyomtrong retained his belt by majority decision, 114-112, 114-112, 113-113 on the judges' scorecards.
Winwood lost no fans in refusing to be overrun by the 24-0, eight-year reigning champ after grinding back into the contest once bested in the early stages in front of a home crowd.
The Noongar fighter, who was chasing an Australian record as the fastest to win a world title fight in just his fifth professional bout, responded from being sent to the canvas three times with a gutsy effort through the later rounds.
After regaining his feet and getting moving around around the ring, Winwood's left jab proved a devastating weapon for his Thai opponent to manage.
The 27-year-old rallied with the crowd before turning to his corner confident of a decision going his way.
"I dared to be great, in front of you all against the longest reigning world champion in my fifth professional fight. I dare you to come back and watch me be great again. I love you all with all my heart Perth, and Australia. Give me another shot," Winwood said in a passionate display post-fight.
Winwood thanked his opponent for travelling to his home city for the title defence, and assured his own fans' the future only held more opportunities to carve out a legacy.
Less than two years on from his professional debut after a proven amateur career - including Olympic and Commonwealth Games, the West Australian had taken home two belts and moved past respected talent on route to earning the world title shot.
"Thank you everyone for supporting me. I'm going to go home and rest. I will be back. Let's not (let this) be the last time," Winwood told the crowd.
On the undercard, home town favourite Matty Garlett claimed the Stephen Michael Cup with a unanimous decision win over Francisco Da Silva on the return to the ring for the first time in a decade.
Dylan Winter, in his sixth professional bout and fighting up a weight class, fell short of snaring the WA state heavyweight title from young champion Lewis Clarke.
