Gavin McDonnell insists he is now a world-level fighter despite his defeat to Mexican Rey Vargas for the vacant WBC world super-bantamweight crown on Saturday night.
The Doncaster man gave a spirited display in front of an army of fans in Hull but lost a majority decision in his first world-title tilt as the impressive Vargas won 117-111, 116-114 and 114-114 on the cards.
McDonnell, 30, had been looking to join twin brother Jamie as a world champion and although he fell short he believes his time will come.
"I knew I was trailing so I had to try and force it, but Rey was just managing to nick rounds and he was just slightly better in every department," McDonnell told sportinglife.com.
"You have to give him credit - he wouldn't let me pin him and when I did I didn't do enough. But at the end of the day I did everything I could, I left it all in the ring and although I got beat and I'm bitterly disappointed, I can still hold my head high.
"When the final bell went I knew he had beaten me, I'm not going to lie. When the 14-114 was announced I though 'here we go'. But I didn't want it like that - I don't want anything given. If I'd have somehow managed to nick that fight I'd have felt worse than what I'm feeling now.
"I'd have been given no credit and what you always want to see happen in boxing is the best man on the night win and that's what did happen so I'm glad. He beat me fair and square and he beat me by a couple of rounds.
"I showed a lot of heart and I know where I went wrong - but I've only had 19 fights and this is just the start of the journey. I came up short here but I showed I belong at that level. I'll come again and if I do rematch him down the line I now know how to beat him.
"I came on strong at the end but I fell a little bit short - but I will be back and one day I will be a world champion."
He added: "I probably gave him a little bit too much respect at the start, but I think I needed to be wary as he did have power although he never had me in trouble. I'd never give up anyway - you'll have to knock me out cold to beat me.
"But he was sharp and kept nicking rounds. I'll learn a lot from this fight and it will make me stronger. "
Trainer Dave Coldwell believes Gavin (16-1-2, 4KOs) can take inspiration from brother Jamie following the first loss of his professional career.
Jamie (29-2-1, 13KOs) - the reigning WBA and former IBF bantamweight king - suffered two losses in his career before becoming a world champion and Coldwell believes it is only a case when, rather than if Gavin bounces back.
"Jamie suffered defeats but came back to be where he is now so there is no better place for Gavin to look at than home," he said.
"We have to remember that this was only Gavin's 19th professional fight - and he didn't have any at all as an amateur. It wasn't that long ago he was having life-or-death fights with the likes of Leigh Wood and Josh Wale.
"But Gavin is not taking steps anymore, he is taking strides and because he's taking strides he quickly got a world ranking and of course when you're offered one [world-title chance] you are naturally going to take it.
"He gave his best in the fight, he gave his best in training and that's all you can ask for. It's small margins so there are no negatives in this fight for me apart from the result.
"I'm immensely proud of Gavin. He's a kid I enjoy working with in the gym - he gives 100 per cent in every session and I think you saw that in the fight. You couldn't have asked for anything more of him but some fighters are just too good on the night.
"Some will respond to that by giving up, being content to go the distance and lose on points in a world-title shot. But Gavin didn't do that ... he kept trying and trying and trying but he was just that little bit behind.
"Vargas was just that little bit too cute, a little but too slippery but Gavin gave it his all and I'm so proud of him."