That’s boxing, said Stuart McLellan Monday morning after suffering the first loss of his professional career Friday night in Edmonton during K.O. Boxing’s Full Force card.
McLellan, coming into the fight with 12 wins, no losses and three draws, was defeated by Calgary-based Ryan Wagner — now with a 5-2 record — in a six-round split decision following months of trash talk and hype leading up to the fight.
“I just came out slow and lost the first two rounds, so that set me back,” McLellan told the Tribune. “I’m more of an eight-, 10-round fighter and should’ve known better.”
In the third McLellan said he wobbled Wagner with a stiff left hook and felt he had the win in his grasp, however, Wagner’s mouth piece fell out giving him time to recover.
“I thought I won the last rounds ... he was a lot better than I thought, though,” McLellan said.
Two judges scored the contest 58-56 in favour of Wagner, while one judge had McLellan the winner, 58-56.
“I’ll be back before long, though,” McLellan vowed, noting he’s hoping for a rematch with Wagner in the future. “The fans got their money’s worth, that’s for sure.”
Asked whether he’d change anything about the way he fought, McLellan said he’d press the action sooner.
“I’d put the heat on [right away],” he said. “I boxed too much and didn’t let my hands go enough.”
He added he’s completely grateful and thankful to everyone who showed him support, along with all of his training partners.
“Thanks to all my fans and everyone who showed support for the fight,” he said.