Cutler Secures Majority-Decision Victory Over McKenna After Challenging Year

Light-middleweight Lee Cutler described his Saturday night majority-decision triumph over rival Stephen McKenna in Liverpool as “surreal,” a win that marked McKenna’s initial defeat in his professional career and included Cutler knocking him down twice. At the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool, ‘Chaos Cutler’ secured a majority-decision victory in a thrilling bout, dropping McKenna to the canvas on two occasions. Speaking to BBC Sport, Cutler stated, “There’s still so much more to come from me and the team know that.” He further explained the significance of the match: “This was a fight that I had to get through to progress my career. I would have been off the big shows if I lost, so there was a lot of pressure.” Reflecting on the experience, he added, “It was so surreal to have the whole team here. I felt it was a bit too easy in there at times, which is why I switched off and got hit with some silly shots. I’m over the moon though and I hope I’ve done everyone proud.” This contest followed Cutler’s acquisition of the English light-middleweight title in December 2023. The Saturday encounter with McKenna proved to be an engaging boxing spectacle, with both fighters aggressively engaging from the opening bell, delivering powerful blows throughout all 10 action-packed rounds. The win not only secured McKenna’s WBC International title for Cutler but also granted him bragging rights, following a contentious pre-fight period between the two boxers. Cutler trains at Shane McGuigan’s gym in London, under the guidance of coach Josh Pritchard, who displayed significant animation in the corner during Saturday night’s fight, encouraging his fighter towards victory. The gym’s roster also includes several former and current world champions, such as Chris Billam-Smith, Caroline Dubois, and Ellie Scotney. Promoter Ben Shalom had previously assured Cutler that a victory would lead to him headlining a boxing event in his hometown. Following the announcement of his win, the 28-year-old fighter celebrated by dropping to the canvas and performing the “worm dance.” Beyond the joy of achieving his goal, Cutler expressed that relief was a primary emotion post-fight. He shared with BBC Sport, “There’s been times this year where I’ve been so close to quitting boxing due to things on the outside.” He recounted a specific instance: “I broke down once while doing pads with Josh (Pritchard) but he stuck behind me the whole time and then when a few things cleared up outside the ring I started to get that drive back.” Reflecting on his current standing, he added, “After the win I think I do now feel worthy of being in the gym. At the start of the year I didn’t feel that I deserved that spot, being in there with them all.” He concluded, “I’m just thankful to be in this position right now and hopefully there is bigger and better things to come.” Prior to the fight, Cutler had revealed that during a recent visit to Saudi Arabia, promoter Ben Shalom had pledged to arrange a headline event in Cutler’s hometown of Bournemouth, provided he emerged victorious from the upcoming contest. Shalom has visited Bournemouth on multiple occasions, notably due to the success of former WBO cruiserweight champion Billam-Smith, who has headlined events at both the Bournemouth International Centre and AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium. Shalom confirmed to BBC Sport, “I’m going to have to deliver on that promise,” adding, “I love Bournemouth and it’s a special place where they get behind their own. Lee deserves his time and we’ll definitely do it.” Sandi Toksvig is joined by Gyles Brandreth, Lulu, Emmanuel Sonubi and Alan DaviesGrab the mic for Queen, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Katy Perry and more…Ben Fogle and Kate Humble are back for the festivities at Longleat Safari ParkFrom micro plastics in our air, soil, and waterways, to the extent of food waste at this time of year © 2024 BBC. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.