It was heartbreak again for Martin Murray as his fourth world title attempt ended in defeat once more against Arthur Abraham in Germany.
The defending WBO super-middleweight champion won a split points decision 115-112, 112-115, 116-111 to retain his belt.
Murray had little success in the opening rounds in Hanover and was caught by a straight, powerful right hand in the third.
It was not until the sixth that Murray landed something meaningful, forcing his opponent back on to the ropes with a right hand, but Abraham responded with a counter to mark the Briton's face.
The champion twice caught Murray in the seventh but he landed the best punch of the fight in the next round, catching Abraham with a big right glove.
Murray was deducted a point, after a couple of warnings, in the 11th for using the shoulder, which all-but ended the 33-year-old's hopes.
Source: PA
