JACKSON (AP) — The state Court of Appeals has upheld the manslaughter conviction of James White, who was convicted of killing a man after a fight at a party.

White was convicted in Jefferson County Circuit Court in 2004. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The incident occurred in 2003 after White and Terrell Ellis got into a fight at a birthday party for White’s sister. Prosecutors said Ellis died of a stab wound in the chest.

White testified that he did not stab Ellis. He also said Ellis had a knife during their fight. According to the court record, White had told authorities that he and Ellis fought but did not mention Ellis having a knife.

On appeal, White argued there was no evidence that he killed Ellis.

Appeals Judge Tyree Irving, writing Tuesday for the court, said White admitted that he and Ellis fought. Irving said witnesses testified Ellis was bleeding after the fight with White from a previously nonexistent stab wound.

Irving said the conviction would stand.

‘‘Although White related a version of events to the jury that conflicted with the version told by the state’s witnesses, the jury is the ultimate judge of the credibility of witnesses,’’ Irving wrote.