Tough call sees Stephenson slip to controversial defeat

A CONTROVERSIAL call saw Marco Stephenson lose the second fight of his career at York Hall on Sunday, writes Mark Wood.

A slow start by the 28-year-old Shamrock fighter ultimately proved costly as he lost out 40-38 to Scott Hartley in their cruiserweight contest.

Stephenson gave away a bit of weight to his opponent as he tipped the scales at 12st 9lb, compared to Stratford’s Hartley who weighed in at 13st 8lb.

Rangy Stephenson had the reach advantage on Hartley who looked to get inside when he could and worked the Lutonian’s body well before landing a rising left.

Hartley was the busier of the two but Stephenson gave no ground as a bruising second round ensued.

Stephenson landed a sharp left as he looked to work the jab, and another left wobbled Hartley.

However, a clash of heads seemed to sway the round and Hartley was warned as the Lutonian proceeded to struggle.

Evidently hurt Stephenson battled on as both boxers looked out on their feet at times, but it was Hartley who finished the stronger and landed a couple of telling blows.

Hartley was pulled into the ropes in the third round – which firmly belonged to Stephenson.

The Shamrock fighter landed two good straight lefts and another great combo as he wrested control of the fight from Hartley.

In fact, the house fighter was left with a cut to his face as Stephenson displayed the better boxing skills, while Hartley too often led with his head, but no sanction were forthcoming.

The fourth and final round was a real blood and thunder affair with Stephenson displaying the far better counter-punching. He also seemed to have more stamina as the pair continually held on to one another in the closing stages.

However, at the final bell, the referee controversially lifted Hartley’s arm as the referees awarded him the contest 40-38.

It was Hartley’s first win having drawn on his debut, while Stephenson, who made his ring return after almost two years of inactivity, now has one win and two losses.