A BRADFORD boxer is keen to take the positives from his first professional defeat as he feels it has put him on the map.

Hamed Ghaz (18-1) narrowly lost on points to Doncaster's Reece Mould in their English lightweight title contest in Rotherham last Friday.

The to-and-fro encounter captured the imagination of all those in the Magna Centre and viewers watching from home with many labelling it a 'Fight of the Year' contender.

"Even though I took a loss on the night, it has put me on the map," Ghaz said.

"I have had messages from all over the world. Promoters and trainers have been in touch telling me how well I did.

"I was speaking to one of the promoters at the Sky show at the weekend and he was saying top boxing people, like Billy Joe Saunders, were so high on the fight.

"It gives me a confidence boost and says that I do belong up there.

"A lot of people thought I won the fight and are saying it is a 'Fight of the Year' contender."

Ghaz agrees with the former view despite overcoming a gruelling second round where he was almost stopped.

It was a testament to the Bradford brawler's fighting spirit that he turned the bout on its head in the third round.

"I felt like I did enough to win the fight," Ghaz said.

"I got hurt in the second round when I got hit by a good shot then I came back in the third and wobbled him.

"From then on, I applied the pressure and had him on his back foot. I felt like I took over after that second round.

"The fight just got easier and easier, I was winning the rounds. The judges felt different and I came up short.

"It is just all a learning experience. Doing 10 rounds against a live opponent will put me in good stead."

The future is definitely bright for the 26-year-old after standing toe to toe with an opponent whose one loss came against current WBA featherweight world champion Leigh Wood.

Ghaz, who required stitches post-fight to heal a cut caused by a headbutt, hopes to be in a Bradford ring when he returns to action this summer.

He very much doubts that will be in a rematch against Mould but title talk is still on his mind.

The 'Hurricane' added: "I don't think he would want to take the rematch.

"There are already talks of him vacating the English title, which clearly states he would not want to fight me again.

"There are other options, I have already been offered other title fights.

"I will take a few weeks off then come back to see what opportunities are there.

"I am hoping to make my comeback in Bradford sometime in early June."

Ghaz is keen to display his love for the city he moved to when he was only 11 years old.

He said: "I would like to thank all my sponsors and fans who came (to the fight) from Bradford. It means everything.

"It is them that cheer me on and get me going in the ring. They play a big part in my career.

"I just want to put Bradford on the map. To be a role model and someone for others to look up to, that is my aim."