YORK heavyweight Arlo Stephens was narrowly beaten in the England Boxing Senior Development national final.

Stephens, representing York Boxing Club, was beaten on a split decision by Brian Muwenge of All Stars, despite only one full round being boxed.

The fight was called early after an accidental clash of heads, although Muwenge had earlier in the fight being warned for coming in with his head.

The first and only completed round had been a tight and scrappy affair, with Stephens landing the more accurate shots.

Though Muwenge edged him on volume, his work had been a lot messier as he set about closing the distance on the taller Stephens.

The ringside judges were split in their verdict but named Muwenge at the winner of Over-91kg bout at the University of East London’s SportsDock.