Rumpus after Sheffield fighter KO'd in first round

The unbeaten Westfield-based super lightweight was overwhelmed by unbeaten Luton prospect Kayamba Prosper, on the David Haye undercard at London’s 02 Arena, on Saturday.

The Sheffield fighter, who went five rounds with Luke Campbell in 2013, was down twice in the first round before the referee controversially stepped in.

On Facebook, his S18 gym posted: “Hard luck Lee; come against a decent boxer... (you) took some good shots and a standing count then when under pressure went to take a breather on one knee, stood back up, the ref waved it off to save Lee who wasn’t hurt?

“Why spoil a real sporting match? Lee knew what he was getting into when he started boxing and actually spars harder than that fight.

“Let the lads do there jobs - they are not made of glass. Lee loves going on the canvas and coming back....that is Lee - S18 Gym’s Rocky Balboa. A month’s rest for Lee then back on it.”

The game brawler sportingly accepted defeat, posting: “I’d have liked it to go longer because I was OK to carry on, but he can punch and is a good prospect.”

Prosper got involved in the on-line debate telling Connelly: “Thanks for taking the fight and putting up such a tough test.

“You are a warrior and will come again. Don’t let it slip, keep training hard and causing upsets.”

Connelly replied: “If your struggling for opponents at any point I’d do it again.”

The defeat takes Connelly’s CV to a won four, lost 17, drawn 1 record.