KEIGHLEY's Muhammad Ali impressed in defeat as British Lionhearts were well beaten in the final of the World Series Boxing.

Rio-bound Ali was one of three Olympic qualifiers in the British team, who were bidding to win the title for the first time against favourites Cuba Domadores in Uzbekistan.

The task proved too much as Cuba eased to their second Series win in three years, winning nine out of ten bouts.

Super heavyweight Frazer Clarke claimed the first-time finalists' sole win while former Bradford College student Ali was the only Lionhearts boxer to lose on a split decision, the rest of his team-mates being defeated unanimously or by technical knockout.

With no fewer than 18 World Series wins already under his belt, Ali's 24 year-old Cuban opponent Yosbany Veitia was always going to be a stern test for the flyweight.

But the taller Lionheart refused to be overawed and finished the fight strongly, finding more success from distance to take the fourth and fifth rounds.

However, Veitia, who competed in the London 2012 Olympics, had already done enough to earn a split decision and claim the victory that clinched the crown for the Cubans.

Bury Amateur Boxing Club member Ali – who was named after the late former heavyweight world champion by his boxing-loving father – will now step up his preparations for his Olympic debut in August, having won the European qualifying event in Turkey in April.