Former world champion Alex Arthur's comeback was derailed by a surprise eight-round points defeat against Nigel Wright in Newcastle tonight.
The Edinburgh veteran, 31, had moved up to lightweight as he attempted to rebuild following the crushing defeat by Nicky Cook last year that saw him lose his WBO super-featherweight title.
In June he made a low-key return to the ring with a first-round stoppage of Mohamed Benbiou but had found himself kicking his heels since then as he looked to earn a title shot at the higher weight.
However, those hopes were blown apart tonight as the Scot looked in poor condition and out of sorts throughout against his Hartlepool opponent en route to a 78-76 points defeat.
While Wright has operated at a decent level during his career, Arthur would have expected to deal with the north-east fighter, who entered the contest with a record of 20-6-1 (nine KO wins).
Wright also looked in far better condition than Arthur and it was his work that was superior from the opening bell.
Arthur made a fight of it with many of the rounds close but was being caught regularly by Wright's busy jab and looked lethargic and flat-footed.
In the closing stages he went for broke in a bid to get the decision - and produced by far his best work - but it was no surprise when Scottish referee Victor Loughlin held up Wright's arm with a score of 78-76 to the Englishman.