Stephanie is shocked by split decision in title defence

Cleland Miners fighter Stephanie Kernachan was shocked in the Elite Boxing Championships.

The 21-year-old was looking to defend her British Bantamweight title against English competitor Rachel McKenzie.

Kernachan has gone from strength to strength in the past 12 months as she has competed in the Queens Cup in Germany and the Feliks Stamm tournament in Poland.

With her aim of making the Commonwealth Games in 2018, Kernachan was looking to start off strongly with a win at the Elite Boxing Championships.

However, it did not go according to plan as the English youngster pulled off a shock to defeat the Cleland boxer.

Stephanie started slow in the four round fight, but soon managed to find her range and strike a few big blows.

However, the judges deemed that it was not enough and they awarded the fight to McKenzie.

Cleland coach Ronnie Blackburn was disappointed at the decision which seemed to shock the entire audience.

However, he praised Stephanie for her efforts.

He added:“Stephanie and her lifelong coach Stevie Newns had hoped she would defend her title.

“It seems like the decision shocked both the coaches and the crowd.

“They gave the win to her opponent on a spilt decision.

“Everyone at Cleland Miners Boxing Club are extremely proud of Stephanie’s achievements.

“We would also like to extend a big thank you to her sponsors Ingen Technical Services and a thank you to all the coaches who helped prepare Stephanie for the big fight.”