Prominent boxing manager Spencer Brown, who currently oversees the careers of fighters such as Tyson Fury, Joseph Parker, Jarrell Miller, and Justis Huni among others, has announced a new addition to his heavyweight stable.
Brown has teamed up with Mick Carney of Steel Hub Management to collaboratively manage the career trajectory of undefeated heavyweight Arlo Stephens, who holds a professional record of 2-0.
The 29-year-old boxer from York has been sidelined since delivering a spectacular knockout victory last June, a finish widely regarded as one of the year`s best.
The memorable moment occurred in Coventry last June. Stephens, who trains under former professional heavyweight Billy Wilson, ended his bout against Viktar Chvarkou in the opening round with a devastating right hand to the jaw.
Stephens has recently returned to active training, participating in sparring sessions with fighters like Matty Harris and Justis Huni. He is expected to make his return to competitive action towards the end of next month.
Stephens shared the strategic plan that Brown and Carney have devised for his future.
“The aim is to compete every month until the year concludes, and then position myself for a title opportunity,” Stephens stated.
“I`m focused on making up for the time I`ve been out of the ring,” he added. “If I`m not ready to challenge for titles by next year, then frankly, I feel I`d be wasting my time.”
Stephens expressed confidence in his ability to handle the current domestic heavyweight landscape, which he characterized as “saturated” but lacking significant threats to him personally.
“The fighters at the very top, fair enough, they`re decent,” said Stephens, a former England representative who amassed a 38-bout amateur career after starting boxing at 21. “But as for the majority of the rest, I genuinely don`t rate any of them.”
“It`s been tough being out with injury and watching heavyweights I consider substandard getting significant paydays,” he admitted.
“I honestly don`t believe any of them would present a difficult challenge for me. They are simply big and tough, and while I`m also big and tough, crucially, I possess the ability to box effectively as well.”
“Yes, they all carry power, but they`ll primarily be swinging at empty air when they`re in the ring with me,” he confidently predicted.
Stephens revealed that his tactical approach for the Chvarkou knockout was inspired by world champion Gervonta Davis.
“Davis often allows opponents to win the initial rounds before he closes the show,” he explained. “I reasoned that if I let Chvarkou have the first couple of minutes, he would relax, set his feet, and that would give me the perfect chance to take him out.”
Footage of that impressive knockout was instrumental in convincing Spencer Brown to partner with Stephens and also secured him the valuable sparring opportunity with Justis Huni in preparation for Huni`s recent bout against Fabio Wardley in Ipswich.
Stephens described the Australian heavyweight Huni as “fast, agile, and a skilled boxer,” predicting that he “would certainly give Wardley a tough night`s work.”
