By Matt Bevan

Gavin McDonnell is proud when he looks back on his performance in February at the Ice Arena in Hull, when he came up short against Rey Vargas for the then vacant WBC world super-bantamweight crown.

The Doncaster man, whose record slipped to 16-1-2 (4 KOs) with his first defeat in the pro ranks, believes the loss will spur him on and he can take a lot of positives from the loss to Vargas, who took home a majority decision win to Mexico.

The 31-year-old is looking to return to the ring as soon as his promoter Eddie Hearn can secure him a fight and he is hoping that he can secure a big fight to keep up the momentum as he aims to join the top table in the 122-pound division.

McDonnell told ‘Scene: “I may have lost to Rey Vargas, but the result has really spurred me on. I’ve learned so much about myself and shown I can mix it with the best. If anything I’ve got more belief than ever, as I got in there and gave it my all against a quality fighter.

“I came on strong in the fight and I can take a lot of positives from it and I’m sure I’ll get another chance. I want to stay around this level and I want to get straight back in. I don't need a warm-up and I’ll fight anyone that makes sense.

“I only want big fights, as I’m 31, so I may only have a couple of years left at the top. There is no shame to losing to Vargas and to be honest, it doesn't really feel like a loss. I got a lot of praise for my performance and I want to keep the momentum going, so hopefully Eddie can get me another big one.”

McDonnell admits that Vargas’ size certainly had a huge effect on the fight, as for once McDonnell was the smaller man, a rarity for him at super-bantam, where he regularly towers over his opponents.

But he refuses to slip back after losing in his world title shot, where he also headlined the card live on Sky Sports. McDonnell puts it all down as experience and is confident that the next time he finds himself in a similar position he will not come off second best.

“Vargas beat me at my own game,” he continued. “He used his height and reach, to pepper me with the jab and forced me to change. I’m not a come forward fighter, as I’ve never had to, but I was forced into it, so it was all very new to me on fight night.

“He was a decent amateur, who only lost something like nine out of 116 and he had some fantastic boxing ability. He genuinely had it all. I thought I would find a way and pull it out of the bag, but credit to him. I was expecting a punching machine, with one-shot power, but he put his shots together nicely.

“You don’t lose though, you learn. It was all new to me with all the pressure on me. But next time, I’ll have been there and done it. I was down for about a day, but now I genuinely believe I have what it takes to win a world title. I’ve got more credit in defeat than I have got for most of my wins.

“Maybe it was too soon, but I had a go and I’ve had a little taster now, which has definitely got the juices flowing. I’m not going back down in levels and in reality this isn't a setback for me. I’m still on my journey and I know whereabouts where I am.

“Vargas ticked every box, but I was never in any real trouble. Despite the loss, I’m full of confidence that I will reach the top.”