The Thetford fighter suffered a unanimous points defeat in an entertaining encounter against super-bantamweight British champion Jason Booth at Bethnal Green's York Hall on Tuesday.

The main event of the evening, screened live on Sky Sports, did not disappoint the large crowd, which included former World light-heavyweight champion John Conteh.

All three ringside judges voted in favour of Nottingham-based Booth (119-109, 119-109 and 120-108), but Dean can be proud of what was a typically courageous performance against a classy opponent, who boasts commonwealth honours and who has lost just five times in 36 outings.

"I was beaten by the better fighter on the night and I can have no complaints," said Dean, who owns a tanning salon with his girlfriend in Thetford. "I am going to rest for a couple of weeks but I am sure I will be back boxing because my fighting style always sells tickets and I love the sport."

The 31-year-old's work rate was only to be admired as he surged forward at every opportunity. Booth, however, landed an impressive 225 punches to Dean's 112 - a statistic that could really only point to one winner.

"Booth is a class fighter and a good operator," said Dean, who pocketed £10,000 from the fight. "I tried to get in close but when I did he was pretty useful on the inside as well. His movement was special and he threw puches from all angles."

Dean, who was desperate to win the belt after coming so close against former holder Matthew Marsh in November, persistently prevented Booth from fighting from long range. Dean enjoyed his best round in the ninth, pinning the champion on the ropes on numerous occasions. Both fighters were left nursing minor cuts come the final bell, but the result was never in doubt after Booth threw well in excess of 1,000 punches.

After the fight, Booth was full of praise for the Thetford man. "Anyone who fights Rocky Dean knows they have been in a fight," he said. "I hit him hard but he just kept coming forward. He is a tough kid."

Dean, third in the British super-bantamweight rankings, remains hopeful he will get a third opportunity to realise his boyhood dream and be crowned domestic champion.

"I know I can do it and I am determined to win it at some point," he said. "I want to win it for my former trainer John Humphrey, who died of cancer."

Dean, who trains at the Peacock Gym in London, was cheered on by more than 200 supporters – something that the Norfolk boxer is getting used to.

"I have the best supporters in the world," said Dean. "They follow me up and down the country and I can't thank them enough. I wish I had won the belt for them."