LET’S have it again was the call to arms launched by Harry “The Pocklington Rocket” Matthews in the wake of his agonising championship defeat.

Matthews’ gallant bid to seize the vacant international Masters middleweight crown perished in a points reverse to Rocky Cakir in Saturday’s sell-out professional show at York’s Energise Centre.

Both the gutsy Matthews and his trainer Glenn Banks – co-promoter of the four-fight bill alongside Carl Greaves – were convinced the belt should have embraced the York fighter’s waist.

But referee Howard Foster called the close-call contest 96-94 the way of the Turk now based in Bristol.

Said a crestfallen Matthews: “I believed I won it by a least a round, maybe by two.

“I thought I carried out the right-plan. He never really hurt me yet I was picking him off all the time. I was just staying away from him and using my better boxing skills.

“That’s why I want a re-match. I want to fight him again soon and put this behind me.

“I’m aiming for a re-match as quickly as possible.”

Matthews’ dismay was echoed by Banks. He said: “It’s so disappointing. I thought Harry had got the verdict.

“He was the stronger in the second half of the fight as we always knew that Chakir would start well. Maybe Harry could have worked harder to get the rounds won by a bit more early on.

“All credit to Cakir for being judged the winner, but I think the referee’s got it wrong.”

The decision marred what had otherwise been a fantastic night for York boxing, added Banks, who praised the efforts of two of his other fighters on the bill – Clifton debutant Lee Stewart and Heworth’s Matt Doyle, whose bout lasted a mere 24 seconds.

“They both did York proud. Matt is just so all-action while Lee showed his pedigree in his first pro outing,” said Banks.

Stewart labelled his debut in front of his own support as a “dream”.

“To hear them chant the way they did was just such a buzz. I’ve never felt anything like that and to get the win was even better,” said Stewart, who sailed through a full six rounds action against Trowbridge foe Dan Carr.

“I’ve only fought three rounds before as an amateur so I was always going to try to cram in as much boxing time as I could from my first bout. It was brilliant.”