It wasn't pretty to watch, and that was down to clever tactics from Brendan Cookman (House Of Pain).

Cookman had put the challenge in to face John Whittam and although they had similar records, Cookman was not really a Kickboxer.

That said, his record in other styles was steadily improving with several 1st round stoppages in recent months, and the Bulldog Team were taking this one seriously.

Cookman had the added bonus of having former Bulldog nomad Trevor Soko in his corner. In his day Soko could make any good fighter look bad and he obviously imparted some of this knowledge to his fighter.

It was a complicated 1st round, won by Cookman who frustrated Whittam whilst picking up the points, and this continued into the second and third. However, Whittam was now finding his mark and delivering the more effective shots.

Cookman held and kicked (unusual) and also held and punched. This all upset the plans of Whittam who became a little bad tempered at times before sinking in a few well placed shots.

Coming into the 5th and final round most at ringside felt that although the contest had been a hard fought and close one, Cookman was behind and needing a stoppage for victory.

Whittam stepped up a gear to make sure, showing his class and experience.

It was, however, a surprise from both camps when the fight was only awarded to Whittam by a 2-1 verdict.

But that's the fight game and we should take nothing away from Cookman who gave Whittam his toughest challenge mentally, if not physically!