Milch needs time to reflect after defeat

BOXING TONY Milch is weighing up his future in boxing after the first defeat of his professional career.

Milch is no rush to decide his next step after seeing his hopes of lifting the Southern Area super welterweight title ended by Matt McCarthy.

Milch, from Bushey, was stopped early in the fifth round at York Hall on Saturday night.

It was his first loss in 14 professional fights.

But, despite seeing his undefeated record ended, Milch hinted he will return to the ring.

He said: “I’m deflated and it will take me a bit of time to get over this. It’s a big setback, there’s no doubt about that.

“I knew it would be a tough fight against an opponent who has a good record and is a lot younger than me.

“There is 12 years between us but I knew that. I have no complaints. He took away my jab and I took a big hit.

“I had taken heavier hits earlier on but once my head rocked back like that it was clear the referee was going to stop the fight.

“I think I will be back. I believe I Tony Milch have more to give. I just have to think about what’s next for me once the dust settles. You can’t make any rash decisions.”

At 36, age is not on Milch’s side. But he believes he must learn the lessons from his defeat if he decides to give it another shot.

“I need to look at everything, from my preparation to how I performed,” he added.

“I will be looking at how I can do things differently. I started late in boxing and I only had plans to carry on for another two years.

“I knew I was putting my head on the block. I’m gutted but well done to my opponent.

“I just have to remember that he had already lost a fight before facing me so it shows you can come back from disappointment.”

Milch required stitches to his eye as well as three stitches to his cheek in the aftermath of the defeat. “I feel fine. I remember everything about the fight and it’s not like he beat me up. I was comfortable in the environment but he caught me with a good shot which can happen to anyone in the ring.”