Michael Gomez lost to Peter McDonagh at the National Stadium

The Boxing Union of Ireland has withheld the purses of Gomez and his opponent Peter McDonagh because of the manner of the fifth round stoppage.

They are also investigating claims that at least one Irish bookmaker suspended betting prior to the fight.

"It would be tragic if Michael ended his career under a cloud," said Graham.

"It is laughable. If Michael was going to throw a fight why would he put himself through all that again, working hard and showing the ambition to get back to the top again.

"Michael has gone to the well so many times and shown indomitable courage.

"There is no quitter in Michael but it had to come to an end some time.

"The ending was sad enough, never mind for it to come with allegations that he has thrown a fight as well," added Graham.

The inquiry was launched following the surprise defeat of former British lightweight champion Gomez to rank outsider McDonagh in Dublin.

The Boxing Union of Ireland said it had withheld the purses of both fighters for 21 days, pending the investigation.

McDonagh won Saturday's bout after the referee stopped it in the fifth round.

Earlier, bookies had suspended betting on the Irish title fight, saying they had spotted unusual patterns of bets on McDonagh winning inside the distance.

Odds on a fifth-round stoppage for Galway-born McDonagh had been cut from 125-1 to 18-1 by Saturday afternoon.

BUI officials said they would be studying a recording of the fight as part of their investigation.

Manchester-based Gomez surprised the Irish crowd when he seemed to turn away after being caught by a left hand.

While still on his feet with his hands by his waist, he took a further cluster of punches without reply leaving the referee with no option but to wave the fight over.

McDonagh sank to his knees in celebration and burst into tears as he was hugged in the ring by his corner and members of his family.

Immediately afterwards McDonagh gave full credit for his victory to celebrity mind-bender Uri Geller.