This was not bad decision. You were really tired and starting to get hit a lot... There is no need to get punished if you don't get a lot money out of it and you can make always a comeback. You know at the end you have one head...

If you can't clinch just go inside and smother his punches, make your self small and most importantly don't run backwards with the head up when he is in distance to punch. Give him the shoulder and stay cool.