Junior Witter lost a majority decision in the final as his attempt to relaunch his career in the Prizefighter competition ended in disappointment last night.

Bradford’s former WBC light-welterweight champion was beaten by Yassine el Maachi in the Sky Sports-televised welterweight edition of Barry Hearn’s popular series at York Hall in Bethnal Green.

Moroccan-born Maachi took the £32,000 first prize after the judges ruled in his favour with cards of 29-29, 29-28, 29-28.

Witter actually stumbled out of the ring during the final as he lost his balance after lunging at his 31-year-old opponent, who managed to side-step out of the way.

The Bradford fighter, 37, had earlier eased his way through his opening bout against Nathan Graham, before getting the better of Kevin McIntyre in the semi-finals.

Old foe Colin Lynes, who lost a decision to Witter five years ago when the British, Commonwealth and European light-welterweight belts were on the line. had been favourite to win the event.

But Lynes was defeated by Maachi after a controversial split decision which had seemed destined to go in favour of the former IBO light-welterweight champion.