Arlo Stephens Faces the Toughest Fight of His Career

Arlo Stephens and His Quest for Victory in Sheffield

Arlo Stephens, one of boxing’s rising stars, is gearing up for his third consecutive fight in Sheffield on December 7. This match is not only a chance to solidify his career but also an opportunity to build on his impressive record, having knocked out Viktar Chvarkou with a single punch in Coventry last June. With victory in his sights, Stephens is meticulously preparing for the upcoming showdown.

From Basketball to Boxing

Former heavyweight boxer Billy Wilson was the one who taught Stephens how to box at a gym in York. Before stepping into the world of boxing, Stephens had secured a scholarship to play basketball in the United States. Despite having the potential to compete in Europe, he decided to transition to another sport to pursue his dream.

Painful Lessons from a Tough Coach

“My dream was always to succeed in America,” Stephens shared. Upon returning from the U.S., he sought a new direction and found himself at Billy’s gym. Yet, during the first three weeks, Billy barely acknowledged him. When Stephens returned, Billy asked, “So, you want to fight?” and tossed him a pair of gloves. “We stepped into the ring—and he absolutely demolished me!”

From Underdog to Champion

Despite the brutal defeat, Stephens didn’t give up. “I didn’t know how to throw a punch, but every time he hit me, I just wanted to hit back,” he recalled. Seeing Stephens’ potential, Billy decided to mentor him. “After surviving that, I became part of the team,” Stephens said. Just three weeks later, he made his debut and knocked out his opponent in the first round.

Standing Tall in the Boxing World

Standing at 6ft 6ins and weighing 17½ stone, Stephens has achieved remarkable victories. He won gold medals at the Box Cup in Denmark and Ireland and reached the NAC final during his 38-bout amateur career. He has since transitioned to professional boxing under the ambitious GBM promotional company.

An Impressive Reward

Recently, Stephens received a £1,000 prize for delivering the best performance of the night in Coventry last June. He explained, “I knew right away I was stronger, but I wanted him to let his guard down so I could land a clean shot. I just tapped him, and then the finishing punch went straight through him.”

An Inspiring Journey

Arlo Stephens is more than just a boxer; he’s a symbol of perseverance and determination. His journey from basketball to boxing showcases the pursuit of dreams and overcoming challenges. With the support of coach Billy Wilson, Stephens is on the rise and promises to deliver spectacular performances in the future.