Pullen looks for boxers to respond after opening night disappointment for British Lionhearts

It proved to be disappointing opening night in the WSB as the British Lionhearts went down 3-2 to the France Fighting Roosters in Paris.

They had travelled to France with a strong squad but shock defeats for Galal Yafai and European champion Peter McGail in their respective light-flyweight and bantamweight bouts got the team off to the worst possible start.

Luke McCormack did raise hopes of a comeback with a unanimous win over Massi Tachour in his light-welterweight match but defeat for Eumir Marcial - one of the Lionheart's overseas selections – to Nizar Trimech gave the French team an unassailable 3-1 lead on Friday night.

Second overseas pick and debutant David Nyika, of New Zealand, restored some pride in his heavyweight bout with Krystian Dimitrov but it still proved a long trip back from France.

The Lionhearts now have two consecutive home matches, against the Croatian Knights in Gateshead on February 16 and then Italia Thunder in Liverpool on March 2.

Pullen said: "It is disappointing to lose the match, but we are happy with the way the boxers acquitted themselves.

"This was the first contest of a new season and there was a bit of ring rust at times, but I am confident the boxers will all push-on from here.

"We have a run of home fixtures coming-up now and I am sure the boxers will be back to their best for those and that the crowds in Gateshead, Liverpool and Newport, are going to see some top performances."

Sportsbeat 2018