Scarred Maxi Hughes refuses to trust judges in Dubai

Hughes said he was “absolutely devastated” after losing his IBO lightweight title by majority decision. Many at ringside believed he had controlled the fight with cleaner work.

He'd pressed smartly, used sharp foot movement, and opened a cut above Kambosos’ eye.

The boos in the arena told their own story.

That night cost him his IBO world title and a likely route into the bigger championship picture. It also hardened his resolve to never let judges decide his fate again.

Now the Doncaster fighter, 35, is in Dubai for Friday's WBA lightweight eliminator against Bakhodur Usmonov.

The Tajik prospect arrives unbeaten at 11-0 with five knockouts.

Usmonov brings serious pedigree from a long amateur career. He fought at the Tokyo Olympics and impressed on the international circuit before turning professional.

He is 27, confident and technically disciplined. His recent progress has placed him among the rising figures at lightweight, and he sees Hughes as the ideal scalp to reach the next level.

Hughes respects the challenge but believes experience will tell.

"I’ve been scarred before – what happened in Oklahoma against George Kambosos" he told Boxing Scene.

"I stood him on his head, and they took it away from me."

Now, he says, "I’m a big underdog. I don’t know how. That’s more pressure to him. I just need to show up and do what I do.”

Hughes will try to remove the uncertainty that cost him in the south west of the USA. His aim is constant pressure, clean work and a clear finish that keeps the officials out of the equation.

Victory would place a South Yorkshire fighter on the edge of another world title shot, two years after a night that still stings. Meanwhile, a huge domestic clash between Doncaster's WBO champion Terri Harper and London's WBC title holder Caroline Dubois could be closer after Dubois signed a promotional deal with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions.

Terri signed for MVP in the Summer, so a deal, in theory, could be reached quickly.