Manager Mark Roe has backed Tom Dallas to bounce back after Friday night’s unconvincing win over American Zack Page.

Dallas went into the fight with a reputation as a knockout specialist having stopped 11 of his previous 14 opponents but found the going tough against Page.

A points win was greeted with surprise by the crowd, his opponent and even Dallas’ own promoter but Roe insists his man will come back stronger from the experience.

Roe said: "It was a bad night at the office. Sometimes it’s hard to explain why guys switch off and why they get tired quickly after being so fit.

"He wasn’t at his best but it was still a learning experience.

"There are a couple of things to put right and we will do that in the gym. Next time out we will see Tom back at his best.

"I know Tom will learn from this because I know what he is like. We will sit down and go through things. His training has been superb and there was nothing wrong with his condition.

"Perhaps we overworked and left a bit behind – that can happen. Tom will be back. He is going to be a champion."

Despite the disappointment, the win took Dallas’ fight record to 15 wins from 15.

After so many knockouts, Page was specifically chosen to give Dallas experience and time in the ring. After eight rounds of frustration for the Chatham heavyweight, he got what he wanted.