Pauls 'absolutely gutted' after Goldsmith defeat

Brad Pauls says he is "absolutely gutted" to have lost his IBF international middleweight title.

The Cornish fighter lost a unanimous points decision to Bradley Goldsmith, having suffered a soft knockdown in the sixth round.

It was just the third defeat of his career for the fighter known as the 'Newquay Bomb'.

The loss also dented the former British champion's hopes of a world title shot, having impressively knocked out unbeaten Shakiel Thompson in his last fight in March to win the vacant IBF international title.

"I'm absolutely gutted," Pauls said in a video on social media., external

"I tried my best as always, sometimes it pays off and it's good enough and sometimes it's not.

"Big respect to Bradley Goldsmith, he stood up and took his chance, and that's boxing."

It was a first defeat for Pauls since his loss to Denzel Bentley in December 2024.

He returned to winning ways after that fight and says he is confident he can do the same again.

"I've been in this situation before - I've lost and come back and had my best wins and it's what I plan on doing here," he added.

"Never any excuses, but back-to-back training camps has probably burned me out a little bit.

"I need a little rest before a regroup and have a big comeback towards the end of the year.

"I've always come back stronger after a loss and that's what I plan to do here."