Fighting for the 13th time after preparing in dressing room 13, the British and Commonwealth lightweight champion claimed a controversial majority draw against Michael Gomez Jr at the O2 Arena, on Saturday night, after previously being set for a British title defence at The O2 .

O’Doherty vs Gomez Jr ends in a MAJORITY DRAW 😱 #DuboisWardley2 | NOW | The O2, London | DAZN https://t.co/l1E9qePoJb

— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) October 17, 2026

Boxing on the Daniel Dubois-Fabio Wardley undercard, Gomez bullied him through the opening three rounds, landing hooks and straight shots that forced O’Doherty onto the back foot while offering little in return.

Gomez entered with “war” written on his gloves, while O’Doherty appeared to have “friends” on his.

The champion had been instructed to establish a sharp left jab against his taller opponent, but the plan failed to materialise, and Gomez continued to push him back.

After a rallying call from his corner at the end of the third, O’Doherty stood his ground and began trading with the Manchester boxer in the fourth and took the round.

Gomez kept pressing, but the former Essex University Boxing Club member responded with greater determination and grit.

The Braintree fighter matched his opponent’s aggression, although Gomez continued to land the heavier punches.

The contest changed noticeably in rounds seven, eight and nine as neither boxer gave an inch.

O’Doherty stayed low and began finding success with sharp one-twos that gradually took their toll on Gomez.

Tussle - Louie O'Doherty (right) during his lightweight bout against Michael Gomez Jr at The O2 Arena (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

The pace quickened in the 10th and 11th rounds, which O’Doherty narrowly edged.

Gomez eased off in the 12th allowing O'Doherty to take advantage, although it still seemed unlikely to be enough to swing the fight in his favour.

Gomez began celebrating before the final bell, but the judges returned a majority draw.

Two scored the contest 114-114, while the third awarded Gomez a 115-114 victory, which meant that O'Doherty retains his belts.

This was a very controversial outcome but felt like a loss for the Braintree boxer, who is eager to set up a return to justify his position as British and Commonwealth champion.

This was a major step up in class for O’Doherty, yet one he showed he can handle.

Gomez entered with 25 fights, only two defeats and back-to-back stoppage wins, and displayed the greater urgency on the night.

Even so, the British champion demonstrated admirable toughness against a serious challenger whose sustained pressure might have overwhelmed many others.