Dean Hickman's career can still be rekindled after his fourth-round stoppage defeat against the polished John Murray in Nottingham last week, writes Frank Todd.
That is the view of stablemate and current WBF world light-middleweight champion Marcus Portman who implored his fellow pugilist not to hastily hang up his gloves.
Hickman clashed with Murray for the English and WBC youth lightweight titles and was unable to upset the formbook as Murray recorded his 22nd consecutive victory as a professional.
Hickman strove manfully and visibly rocked Murray with his thunderous body shots but he was ultimately outclassed and hit the canvas in round four. Despite beating the count he was deemed unfit to continue and was disconsolate as he left the ring.
It was his fourth defeat in 20 fights but Portman insisted that Hickman could take a leaf out of his book and make a late entrance to the world scene.
Portman lost two of his first six fights and took a two-year break from boxing before returning in some style to win and subsequently defend the WBF world title.
Portman said: "Dean's hand speed and power was causing him problems. He definitely hurt him and Murray is rated as a possible future world champion.
"Murray was probably a bit too strong in the end, but I told Dean he can't dwell on this.
"He's got to put it behind him and get back in there. There's no reason why he can't get more big fights. There's no way he should retire.
"I know he feels as though he has disappointed his fans, but he will look at the video of the fight and realise that he gave a really good lad a run for his money. That will boost his confidence."
Once Hickman had regained his composure he insisted his first appearance in the lightweight division was a successful venture.
He said: "I've proved I can mix with the top men in the division. I can definitely come back from this.
"I will look at the tape, see what I did wrong and get in the gym to put it right.
"I thought I was doing well. I was catching him with shots and my work-rate was good. I thought I was landing more shots. I expected him to be exceptional, but I was matching him."
