Ricky Burns lost a unanimous decision in a grueling scrap with Omar Figueroa. Two points deducted from Burns ultimately cost him dear as the two former world champions put on a physically demanding tear-up in Hidalgo, Texas, on Saturday.

The Scotsman was punished in rounds eight and 11 for holding by referee Laurence Cole, who regularly attempted to create space between the fighters by holding their arms as they fought at close quarters. Both fighters were visibly exhausted at different stages of the brutal bout, and Burns looked capable of ending Figueroa's undefeated streak as the tough Mexican slowed down. The three ringside judges all gave the home state fighter a 116-110, 117-109, 116-110 win.