Bradford’s Junior Witter, beaten in the final of Prizefighter in London, has no intention of hanging up his gloves.

The 37-year-old former world light-welterweight champion was beaten by outsider Yassine el Maachi on a majority decision at York Hall, Bethnal Green, with the English-based Moroccan then saying that Witter should retire.

But the Bradfordian was having none of it, even claiming that Maachi had not deserved to win either his semi-final or the final.

Witter said: “I enjoyed the Prizefighter experience, apart from the result in the final, but I should have been given the verdict and a lot of people have said that to me since.

“I don’t think that Maachi won his semi-final either against Colin Lynes but the format (three rounds) isn’t ideal for me.

“As for what Maachi said about me, I will fight him over ten rounds if he wants and knock him out.”

As for what the future holds, Witter said: “I have a couple of options for welterweight bouts – probably at the end of July or the beginning of August – and should know more by the end of next week.

“It is onwards and upwards for me. I have years left in me and age is just a number.”

Witter was thrown out of the Prizefighter ring during a climactic ending to the thrilling final, where Maachi not only claimed the trophy but also the £32,000 prize-money.

The judges scored the contest 29-29, 29-28, 29-28 in favour of Maachi, who was six years younger. It took his record to 17-4, including five knockouts.

The final was scrappy at times and was on the verge of turning into a wrestling match but this was no less thrilling as both fighters hit the canvas without either being ruled a knockdown.

This was overshadowed by Witter’s exit from the ring after he lunged at his opponent, who managed to side-step and aid Witter on his way through the ropes and into a cameraman before landing on the floor.

Witter sprang back to his feet and got back in the ring in double-quick time in what was the final act of the bout.

Maachi said afterwards that Witter’s career was finished and told him to hang up the gloves.

Nicknamed ‘The Showman’ for his flamboyant style, Maachi was fortunate to find himself in the final following a controversial points win over early tournament favourite Lynes.

Maachi won a split decision which had seemed destined to go in favour of the former IBO light-welterweight champion.

Witter showboated his way through his opening bout against Nathan Graham, demonstrating quick hands and ability to evade shots with his hands low.

His semi-final bout against Paisley’s Kevin McIntyre was much of the same and Witter had the Scot on the canvas in the first round.

But McIntyre was able to tag the returning fighter more than he would have liked and proved more aggressive and successful in the second and third rounds in what was a brave, albeit losing performance.