Lenny Daws’ shot at the European super-lightweight title ended in a farce on Saturday after he was disqualified by the referee for an alleged head-butt.

The 36-year-old from Morden cut a bemused figure after the fight at the Westcroft Leisure Centre in Carshalton was awarded to Spaniard Ruben Nieto, describing the referee’s call as a “very funny decision”.

The fight was live on Channel 5, and the commentators on the night were also confused by the referee’s decision to disqualify Daws after a seemingly accidental clash of heads left Nieto with a deep cut above his right eye and unable to continue.

Daws’ promoter Mick Hennessey was less diplomatic, calling the decision “disgraceful” and referee Freddy Rafn “incompetent” – and has called on the EBU for an immediate rematch.

The talking point came in the 10th round with Daws, having recovered from being put on the canvas in the third round, winning on points.

He said: “The doctor has had a look [at Nieto] and said he can't continue, and then the ref has come to me and said you're disqualified.

"It seems a very funny decision. It wasn't intentional - he's come in and I've just tucked up.

“Then his corner was celebrating and jumping around but we had no idea what the outcome was.”

He added: "During the fight, I was starting to feel better and I was pressing him. I could see him getting very tired, but it's just one of those mad things."

Hennessy could not hide his disgust at referee Rafn’s decision, as well as his performance during the bout.

"It's disgraceful. That referee was so incompetent," fumed Hennessy.

"All night long Nieto hit Lenny with some heavy low blows. In the end Lenny couldn't contain it anymore and he walked away only to be given a standing eight count.

"I told the supervisor that Nieto's protector was riding up too high. Lenny was landing some lovely body shots, but they couldn't get through.

“The supervisor told the referee three times and he did nothing about it.”

He added: "Then after the doctor has stopped the fight, the referee disqualifies him. I'll do all I can to get this turned over or at worst get a rematch. Unless there is a hidden agenda, anyone who watches that video will give us a rematch."