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Disappointed Armour vows to fight on

00:00, 20 June 2005

updated: 11:43, 20 June 2005

JOHNNY ARMOUR: "Everyone kept saying why are you going to quit when you should have won"
JOHNNY ARMOUR: "Everyone kept saying why are you going to quit when you should have won"

JOHNNY Armour was disappointed with the referee's decision to award Frenchman Tuncay Kaya victory in the Kent boxer's comeback fight and is seeking a re-match.

Armour, from Chatham, was hoping for a shot at the European belt but his plans were left in tatters on Thursday night in Dagenham after Gillingham referee Ian John-Lewis awarded Kaya the win.

Armour said: "I'm disgusted about the decision. As a Frenchman coming over here you always have to do that little bit more.

"A lot of people were upset by the decision and I know I can do so much better."

Lewis awarded Kaya the victory by 59 points to 56 after a thrilling six-round super-bantamweight encounter.

Armour admitted he wasn't at his best, but is certain he can do the business if given another shot.

He said: "Maybe it's because I've been out for so long and my sparring wasn't up to scratch, maybe I need someone stronger than me to spar with and push me on.

"I felt fit and I've been doing 10-mile runs every week so there were no problems with my legs - they're as strong as an ox.

"Really I should have stopped the kid as he wasn't in my league.

"I'm going to speak with Barry (Hearn) this week and ask for a re-match. Hopefully it will happen in September or October."

Armour was left considering his 15-year professional boxing career after the defeat.

He said: "I was thinking about quitting but I've still got a lot to give. If I had a re-match and things didn't work out then I will know it's over.

"Everyone kept saying why are you going to quit when you should have won. Time is ticking on for me but it isn't worth hanging up the gloves yet."

Turkish-born Kaya was quick and lively and gave 36-year-old Armour plenty to think about during the bout.

Armour admitted: "I was taking too many shots. I didn't have that snap there. I thought all was going to come together but it didn't.

"I've had so many 12-round fights and I was pacing it too much. The performance wasn't great and the shots were not there."

Armour was keen to praise his followers who made the trip to Dagenham to cheer him on.

He said: "They've always been there for me and the supporters always help."

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