Heavyweight Butlin was beaten by world number 10, American, Johnathon Banks in a technical knockout in round seven of an eight-fight bout.

Butlin said he felt “gutted” by the defeat – but he added that Banks, a former IBO cruiserweight champion, was in a different class to his previous opponents.

He said: “I am gutted to tell the truth but he is world class. His timing is unbelievable – amazing.”

Butlin, who admits in the past he has given fighters too much respect said: “I came to fight but at the end of the day he must be the best boxer I’ve fought.”

The 33-year-old was on the floor in the closing seconds of the first round, but picked himself up to fight on.

Battling bravely, he was floored again by a big punch in the seventh but got back to his feet by the count of nine only for the referee to end the fight.

The Rutland boxer, who now trains in Melton, said: “He was winning on points. I got up but I had no chance of winning on points and would have to win by a knock-out so the decision was right.”

Now Butlin hopes the big fight, which was a warm-up to a contest featuring world champion Vladimir Klitchsko, will lead to more big-fight opportunities.

The Banks fight was in front of a 61,000 crowd at the Schalke football stadium in Dusseldorf, Germany and he relished the atmosphere, adding: “It was a great occasion to be a part of.

“The crowd looked like little ants. All you really see is the opponent and people who are ringside.”

The Banks fight came with only two weeks notice and Butlin hopes to be able to prepare better next time.

He said: “I want six weeks’ notice next time so I can prepare properly.”