Sam Horton quits boxing after loss

Stourbridge super middleweight Sam Horton has quit boxing after a controversial early exit from Prizefighter.

Horton, the Midlands and International Masters super-middleweight champion from Stourbridge, was fuming after referee Ian John-Lewis jumped in after just 92 seconds of his quarter-final clash with Patrick Mendy at London's York Hall in Bethnal Green.

'The Man' had shipped a few punches from Maidenhead teenager Mendy, but was still clear eyed and couldn't hide his disgust after the referee stopped the fight.

Mendy went on to lift the trophy and claim the £32,000 jackpot, while Horton prepares for life after boxing.

The 24-year-old was already planning to quit the sport after Prizefighter, to concentrate on his studies in occupational practice and spend more time with fiancée Sally-Anne and daughter Charlotte.

He said: "Boxing was always just a hobby for me and it takes up so much of your time. I can't give boxing 100 per cent, so I've decided to walk away.

"I might still come back to boxing, but I want to get a career and spend more time with my family."

Horton was back in the ring in front of the Sky Sports cameras after being beaten by Olympic gold medallist James DeGale at Upton Park in May.

The Black Country boxer hadn't settled into his fight with Mendy before being flush by three punches that knocked him into a neutral corner, with the referee stepping in.

Horton said afterwards: "He should have let me fight. I did get caught by a few shots, but I took them. I wasn't shaken and I knew where I was, but the referee just jumped in.

"I wasn't happy."

Glenn McCrory, the former world cruiserweight champion, said on Sky Sports: "I thought it was premature. Horton should feel aggrieved.

"He was more embarrassed than badly hurt."

Eddie McIntosh, from Birmingham, also lost in the quarter finals last night.

McIntosh was edged out on points after a gruelling three-round clash with Daniel Cadman – and also had reason to be unhappy with the officials.

'Braveheart' took a count in the third round and replays showed he had slipped. That proved crucial on the scorecards, with two of the judges having Cadman just a point ahead at the bell.