Robert Somner has demanded a rematch with Zain Philpott after his controversial defeat in their long-awaited bout at Fight Night on the Beach on Sunday.

The amateur middleweight contest was stopped by the referee early in the third and final round after an accidental elbow from Somner cut Philpott below his left eye.

In the compliance with amateur boxing rules, the outcome was decided by the judges who awarded the closely-fought contest in Philpott’s favour.

Somner, who withdrew from a bout with Philpott at the National Championships in March because of illness, believed he was the victim of a poor decision and exchanged angry words with Philpott’s corner after the bout. He not only called for a rematch but threw down the gauntlet to Philpott’s coach Mark Prior.

“I don’t know how the decision went to your boy [Philpott],” said Somner, whose coaches from Controversy Gym lodged an appeal after the bout. “I guess the judges saw something that we didn’t. Props to my opponent, though. It was a good match and I’m looking forward to a rematch.

“I’m also looking forward to taking on Mark Prior. I definitely want a rematch at the next event and then we’re taking on Mark Prior because of his mouth. He wants to go up in weight and he can come and meet me on the way up.”

Philpott declined to comment after the fight.

In the evening’s other bouts Corey Boyce, of the Bermuda Amateur Muay Thia Association, stepped in at the eleventh hour to face Keanu Wilson, of BSA, in an exhibition bout after Deondre Morris, of the Bermuda Karate Institute, pulled out because of injury.

Jeff Causey, of Oracle Team USA, also faced Courtney Dublin, of Police Gym, in an exhibition match.