YORK boxer Arlo Stephens is confident that after winning his professional debut last weekend, he will be keeping active with as many as four further bouts this year.

Stephens beat fellow heavyweight, Belgian Amine Boucetta, at Rotherham Magna Centre on Saturday in a show organised by Sheffield promoter Izzy Asif’s GBM Sports.

"I’d prepared diligently as lead sparring partner in Frazer Clarke’s camp ahead of his British title fight against Fabio Wardley," said Stephens, who trains under Billy Wilson at York Boxing Club.  "I’d trained twice daily for months.

"It’s a shame I didn’t get a stoppage but I’m happy everyone agrees that it was a strong, impressive performance winning every round."

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Stephens first came to the city to study at York St John University in 2015, undertaking an undergraduate Sport Science degree followed by an Occupational Therapy Master’s. 

He is now 28 and works for the NHS as an occupational therapist in a forensic mental health hospital. 

"I train at York Boxing Club in Acomb with head coach Billy Wilson and I’m managed by Mick Carney of Steelhub Management," Stephens continued.

"I had 40 amateur bouts and have embarked on a professional boxing career as I’m confident that I have the knowledge, experience and ability to make big waves in the heavyweight division.

"My extensive sparring with the best fighters in the world such as Clarke, Richard Riakporhe and Anthony Joshua proving what a high level I’m at gave me confidence to enter the paid ranks."

Coach Wilson concurred, backing his fighter to reach the sport's pinnacle.

"Arlo hadn’t boxed for eleven months but gave a good, solid performance dominating the fight and laying the basis for further improvement," he explained.

"He’s got a positive mindset and if he can get the rounds in then he’s got the ability to reach the top. He’s a very hard worker."