Barry Hughes is delaying making a decision as to his future in the sport until he has had time to reflect in depth on the ramifications of his surprise World Boxing Union continental lightweight title defeat against the Georgian, Nugzar Margvelashvile.

Hughes flew to London yesterday on business wearing a pair of dark glasses to help cover the trauma he has to his eyes after having suffered considerable damage prior to being stopped in the fourth round at Bellahouston Arena on Saturday evening on medical advice.

However, it was Hughes' pride that was hurt more than anything after his return to the ring following an absence of 12 months to attend to some unfinished business proved fruitless.

The pain of defeat was made all the more acute by the fact that Hughes had never been stopped in 20 contests. It was also the first time that the 29-year-old boxer has required stitches.

"I had never even been cut before so what happened came as a big shock," Hughes said. "The only other occasion when I have failed to finish a fight was when I was forced to retire with a broken hand.

"I have looked after my skin carefully over the years and have lived the good life, so fitness has never been a big problem to me. However, six years of competitive boxing has clearly taken its toll, as I found out when I moved up to title level.

"My pride certainly has been massively dented and I have to decide whether I want to make champions or try to be one myself, and the former would appear to be the more sensible option. That said, I will allow my injuries to heal first.

"However, at the same time, I don't want to go out with the memory of what happened on Saturday night being my last as a boxer.

"To be honest, I don't know what I am going to do. Now would be the wrong time to make such a huge decision and I will enjoy Christmas with my family before I make up my mind."

Hughes, who also manages and promotes boxers, added: "It was a bit of a shocker when I bruised up so early in the fight following a clash of heads that damaged my left eye.

"That threw my game plan straight out the window and it became an uphill struggle after that."