Lee Purdy has revealed he almost walked away from the ring after his unsuccesful attempt to win the European title last month.

The 26-year-old Colchester welterweight failed in his attempt to wrest Italian southpaw Leonard Bundu’s EBU European title away from the veteran at the ExCel Arena, being stopped with seven seconds remaining of the bout.

It was Purdy’s second successive defeat, following his seventh round stoppage at the hands of American Devon Alexander last May, and left him considering hanging up his gloves after a seven-year career.

However, his title dreams have been rekindled and the former British champion insists he can still challenge for major titles.

“I came really close to quitting,” said Purdy, whose record now stands at 20 wins, five defeats and a draw from 26 professional bouts.

“I went through a bad patch after the Bundu fight and was considering calling it a day, but I believe I can improve.

“I felt I was in the best condition of my life, on top of my game, but looking back now, I believe I could have boxed better.”

Purdy, who would not completely rule out a rematch with Bundu, admitted there were flaws in his approach during his defeat to the 39-year-old and wants to show he can prove his doubters wrong.

“I did not change my approach (against Bundu) and he stood and traded punches with me,” recalled Purdy.

“But then he got on his toes and I couldn’t close him down quick enough. My hands and feet needed to be quicker and while I could not change it during the fight, I know I can looking forward.”

He added: ”I want to be successful and win a European title. I know on my day I can go and fight for a world title.

“I would like a meaningful fight next.

“There’s Denton Vassell who I lost to before, although that would not be for a title, while Frankie Gavin is out there and I would like to fight him.

“Bundu is a possibility but he is getting on a bit. I hope he can go on and win a world title, and didn’t just save his best performance for our fight.”