Lauren Price missed out on a shot at another gold medal when she was beaten on a controversial split decision at the EUBC European Women’s Boxing Championships in Sofia.

The Commonwealth champion from the Gold Coast at 75kg, Price had high hopes of improving on the bronze medal she won two years ago at the European championships, but lost out in a tight contest against Ukrainian fighter Mariya Borutsa.

As well as losing out on an attempt at gold against Netherlands star Nouchka Mireille Fontijn, the Pontypool ABC golden girl ended up in a Bulgarian hospital needing stitches in a badly cut lip.  She won her opening bout against Romania’s Ionela Nane 5-0.

“What can I say, this boxing is a tough game. I lost 3-2 on a split decision and everyone I’ve spoken to thought I should have got the decision and won – that’s boxing for you,” said Price.

“I’m coming home with a bronze medal to add to the collection. I’ve had an amazing six months training, winning gold at the Commonwealth Games and medalling at the Europeans.

Thanks for the support guys coming away with European Bronze @WelshBoxing @gbboxing pic.twitter.com/Xm0cD1lAB0

— Lauren Price (@LLPrice94) June 11, 2018

“Now I’m looking forward to having some time off when I get home and living a normal life for a few weeks before we get back to the graft. Two years to the Olympic Games and I’m getting better and better.

“As for the lip, I got head butted a few times so I had to sit in a Bulgarian hospital waiting to be stitched up. On a positive note, I’ve still got my teeth.”

Despite her disappointment, Price’s Olympic dream is still very much alive and kicking and making Team GB for Tokyo in 2020 is the ultimate goal for the multi-talented sportswoman.

Rosie Eccles, who struck silver on the Gold Coast, was beaten 5-0 in her opening bout by tough Russian welterweight Laroslava Lakushina.