STANLEE Wilson admits that one punch can change everything in the fighting game after his defeat to Dan Maree in Guernsey on Saturday.

Wilson, 30, came out of retirement to go in search of a third K1 British Heavyweight title but was stopped by the defending champion in the second round.

The Britwell star believes match referee Mark Woodall was right to stop the contest when he did, but insists the result will not make or break his career with a return at the O2 Arena already scheduled for July 17.

“I was out really quick and dominated the first round, catching him with shots, and he never hit me with real intent,” Wilson told the Observer.

“But in the second round I went to check a kick and got caught with a left hook.

“I got dropped and all I can remember is the referee standing over me counting. I got back to my feet without taking the time that I should have, so my legs were not sturdy enough.

“I didn’t know where I was and fought on out of instinct. The referee let the fight carry on but he stopped it when he felt I could not defend myself.

“The referee is there to help entertain and protect fighters so he definitely made the right call. Had we carried on I could have been seriously hurt.

“I wouldn’t say it was a lucky punch but the way the first round went and the second started you would not have seen it coming, but that’s the fighting game for you.

“I said beforehand it was going to be a 50-50 fight. I felt I would edge it but Dan is taller and a lot heavier, around 10kg on the night, which makes a difference.

"I'm not going to say that I wasn't fit because I was in the best shape possible, but I was beaten by a better fighter on the night.

"Another title would have been lovely but it's not going to make or break my career. I will take the mistake back to the gym and the drawing board and go again."

Wilson now plans to drop a weight category to fight at 90kg, and could compete in front of 15,000 people at the O2 this summer.

He said: "I'm back in the gym already to fix what went wrong and preparing to fight at the O2 this July. It's one of the biggest arenas in the country so it is a massive stepping stone for me.

"The defeat is a little bump and set back for me, but there is plenty to look forward to. I have never been further away from thinking about retirement."

Wilson added: "I'm going to drop down a weight division because I am fighting guys that are too big and heavy. I just feel it's the right time in my career to fight at a reasonable weight and makes things a little bit easier on myself.

"It's probably going to take two or three fights to get back into contention for a title, but it is not all doom and gloom."

Wilson would like to thank the support of his sponsors Bar Sport Maidenhead, AWCI Interior, Redfern grab hire and Subtle features clothing.