Kid Galahad breaks his silence after sickening KO defeat by Kiko Martinez

Galahad was knocked out in the sixth round of his first world title defence as Martinez rolled back the years at the age of 35

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Kid Galahad has vowed to win back his world title from Kiko Martinez after surrendering in his first defence.

Galahad was in control of his featherweight clash with Martinez until he was dropped by a right hand at the end of the fifth round.

And the same shot in the opening seconds of the sixth session knocked the Brit out cold and signalled the start of Martinez’s second reign as a world champion.

Galahad will likely be given the chance to win his belt back in a rematch, and said: “Firstly congratulations to Kiko Martinez and his team on his victory last night.

“Thank you to everyone who turned out, tuned in and for the many messages and well-wishes I’ve received. It means more to me than you’ll ever know.

“I am gutted about the loss but I have lost no desire to reach the levels and goals I’ve set in this crazy game called boxing.

Thank you to my team, Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing. I’ve been grinding all my life and we aren’t done yet… We will run it back and we keep moving forward!”

Galahad appeared to be cruising towards victory as he dominated 35-year-old Martinez.

But he failed to recover from a heavy knockdown and required medical attention when he was knocked out.

Martinez, who won his first world title 13 years ago, had lost on each of his previous five visits to the UK.

But he said: “”It may be a surprise for everyone else but not me. For the lat three years I’ve lived like a monk; no holidays, no time off and no time with my family.

“I’ve been prepared for this and worked really hard for three years. I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been , better than when I was 20 years of age.”

Galahad’s defeat was the second upset in Sheffield after fellow world champion Terri Harper was stopped by Alycia Baumgardner.

Harper had struggled from the opening bell and was knocked out on her feet in the fourth round before referee Mark Lyson stepped in.

Earlier, Chris Billam-Smith retained his European cruiserweight title by labouring to a points win over Dylan Bregeon.