Tom Dallas lost his Southern Area title challenge inside two rounds at York Hall on Saturday night.

A ferocious fight for the vacant title was ended halfway through the second round with referee Jeff Hinds waving it off after Dallas had taken numerous heavy blows.

Ian Lewison had boasted pre-fight he would win the heavyweight contest inside three rounds against the Chatham man.

And Brixton fighter Lewison had Dallas on the ropes early on in the top-of-the-bill fight.

Dallas came back at him but the Medway boxer was soon left with a bloodied face after Lewison landed a right-hander.

Both boxers continued to trade blows until the bell.

There was no let-up in round two, with Dallas making the early running but he was soon on the retreat as Lewison responded. Dallas twice touched down but another right led to Hinds stepping in.

Dallas had been hoping for a victory to put him back on the road to an English and possible British title shot.

But with four defeats from his last five fights, Dallas must now consider which direction he is heading. His next fight is already pencilled in for mid-November, back at York Hall.