IT WAS a tough night at the office for Damien Lock at the Battle of Bendigo.
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On a grand night for Bendigo boxing, the 40-year-old suffered a second round stoppage at the hands of exciting young Tasmanian Bo Belbin, who stretched his short professional record to 2-0.
The loss, Lock's second at Bendigo Stadium and fifth overall in his nine-fight career, will likely be his last bout, with the popular Bendigo sportsman indicating it's probably time to pull the pin on his pro-career.
"That's boxing. I knew it was going to be a tough fight, I played into his hands a bit and ate too many punches," he said.
"I copped one in the back of my head and it knocked my balance a bit, but I just didn't recover.
"I tried to fight my way out of it, but the corner made the right call by pulling the pin because I'm 40-years of age and have nothing to prove.
"That will probably see me out. I don't think there will be too many more fights - I've been cleaned up twice now in front of my home fans.
"It's not what I wanted, and it's not what anyone else wants, to see me lose.
"I've put a lot into the sports, but that's boxing - anything can happen and it didn't work out for me tonight.
"I'm not hurt at all, but my mate (trainer Scott Tuddenham) did the right thing by me and threw the towel in.
"It's disappointing at the time, but reflecting on it later I appreciate it.
Lock paid full credit to Belbin for an accomplished performance.
"He's a tough young bloke, I wish him all the best," Lock said.
That will probably see me out. I don't think there will be too many more fights.
- Damien Lock
Lock, who kick-started his pro-career with a win at Bendigo Stadium in late 2015, said he was proud of the efforts of his stable-mate Lorrinda Webb, who lost a split decision to Reanne Ware in the night's opening bout.
He was confident a pair of Bendigo losses had taken no gloss off what had been a huge attraction for the city.
"Lynden (Hosking) and his team, I remember being on their first show in 2015, and now they have built it up to this - it's quite phenomenal," he said.
"Even though I did get KO'ed, we are just grateful to play a small part in an event like this.
"And what's been done for the Bendigo economy, with the amount of people they have brought in, has been amazing."
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