Horseshoe ABC star Harrison Pearson suffered heartbreak at the All England Finals as he lost a controversial decision in the final of the competition.
Pearson was drawn against Lewis Marshall in the semi-finals, who boasted a fine amateur record with 14 wins to his name and just one defeat.
The Horseshoe fighter started slowly as Marshall sent him falling onto the ropes with a powerful right hand in the opening round.
However, Pearson remained patient as he bounced back to stop his rival in the third round.
Pearson faced the reigning champion Albie Samways in the final after he beat Harry Maker in his semi-final bout.
It was the third time the two had met with Samways triumphing on both occasions – the last in the semi-finals of the same competition in 2014.
But Pearson started fast and quickly took control against Samways in the opening round, leaving his rival with a bloodied nose.
The Horseshoe boxer continued to dominate in the second round and carried on his business in a closer third.
Pearson appeared to the majority inside Sheffield’s International Sports Arena to have done enough for victory but unfortunately the judges did not agree.
The judges instead awarded the victory to Samways by way of split decision.
Horseshoe ABC coach Brian Roberts was disappointed with the result saying: “It is obviously disappointing because we felt that Harrison won. Credit to Albie Samways though because he told us that he thought he had lost too but the judges are there to score the bout.
“At the end of the day Harrison has done really well to get this far in the competition. He went one better than last year and we are extremely proud of him.
“He accepted the defeat and he will move on and that is what makes him a champion to us.
“Harrison thanked all the coaches at the Horseshoe for helping him get this far in the competition and joked that he obviously has to stop Samways if he wants to beat him and not rely on points.”
Pearson returns to action on Horseshoe ABC’s next show on Sunday, May 3rd at St Joseph’s School. For tickets contact Brian Roberts on 07960009472.
