Danny Butler insists the part he played in a classic Prizefighters contest will help make a man of him.

Bristol's rising middleweight prospect surrendered his unbeaten record to eventual winner Martin Murray on Barry Hearn's popular event at the York Hall in Bethnal Green.

But the former Broad Plain amateur emerged with his reputation enhanced after making it to the semi-finals in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

"I'll be a better boxer for this experience," declared Butler, who lost on a split decision after giving bookmakers' favourite Murray all the trouble he could handle in a tense tussle.

Butler earlier dismantled Newport's Paul Samuels in the quarter-finals.

"People were doubting me and saying I wouldn't get past Samuels," said the Bristolian. "Well I think I've shown them what I'm all about and, hopefully, they'll take me seriously in future. Being on Prizefighters has been fantastic and I've loved every single minute of it. The media attention has been great and, now I've had a taste of something this big, I'm hungry for more."

He added: "I came to win it and, of course, I'm disappointed not to be bringing the trophy back to Bristol to reward all my loyal fans. But I will learn from this and I can hold my head up high."

Now unbeaten in 11 fights, former ABA champion Murray edged out Butler 29-28, 30-27, 29-28 to reach the final, where he out-pointed Peterborough's Cello Renda.

There was no disgrace in defeat to the man from St Helens and Butler, aged just 21, insists his best is still to come.

He said: "I'm just a baby and by far the youngest of the eight boxers on Prizefighters. I'm on a massive learning curve and I'm only going to benefit from this.

"But I'm growing up fast and I'll be better for this experience. "

Roared on by more than 100 Bristolians, who made themselves heard throughout, Butler set a furious pace against 35-year-old Samuels, a man who had been in with the likes of Wayne Alexander and Richard Williams and fought for the IBO and British middleweight titles.

Butler out-worked the Welshman to earn a unanimous 30-27, 29-27, 29-28 decision.

Despite winning the first round and being cheered to the rafters by his supporters, Butler fell just short in a frenetic semi-final.

He may have missed out on the £25,000 first prize, but at least he has the consolation of being able to bank a cheque for £8,000.