DYLAN Carter produced the performance of his life against Portugal's Francisco Maximiano but just failed to collect the European super welterweight full contact kick boxing title at the Thompson Centre.

After 12 rounds of thrilling action, two judges scored the fight a draw, while the third gave it to Carter by a point.

But under World Kick boxing Association rules, the result was a majority draw and Maximiano kept his crown.

"I knew it was close and when they called it a draw I thought that was fair enough," said Carter.

"It's a bit disappointing but I'm glad that I fought well and I'm hoping my performance warrants a rematch in the near future." Twice Carter threatened to score a stoppage when he landed kicks and punches that seriously rocked the champion. But the strong and durable Maximiano, who was taken the distance for the first time in his career, battled through and hurt Carter himself but could not pin the Burnley man down.

"He caught me with a few solid shots but, fortunately, I can take quite a good blow and he never hurt me badly," said Carter. "It wasn't for want of trying, though, because he broke his right hand with a punch to my head.

"My left wrist's a bit swollen but apart from that I'm okay." Other results: North West light heavyweight title - Michael Bisping (Burnley) TKO 3 Andy Hodge (Accrington); North West featherweight title - Ian Longson (Accrington) KO 1 Garry Dean (Rishton); Ladies North West featherweight title - Jenna Dewhurst (Haslingden) PTS 4 Karen Clarkin (Blackburn).

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