Defeated national finalist Jerome Campbell has his sights set on regaining the winning habit immediately and moving up to elite level in the new year.

The Islington BC lightweight narrowly missed out an England Boxing Development Championship title on Sunday when he lost a split decision to Joshua Holmes (Eastburn ABC) in the Class B Under-60kg final.

But Campbell will waste no time licking his wounds from that defeat at Grantham – he is back in the ring on Friday as part of the Hazellville Road club’s dinner show at the Royal National Hotel, Russell Square.

And the 25-year-old plans to continue his quest for national glory by entering the England Boxing Elite (formerly ABA) Championship in the spring.

“I’m ready to go again on Friday – I was on an eight-win streak before the final and now I’ve got to get back to winning,” Campbell told the Gazette.

“Now I’ve had a taste and it’s still fresh, every fight will feel like a national final for me and I’ll be trying to get out as much as I can.

“I’m excited to enter the ABAs and I’d love to get to the national stages. If you get to the semi-finals you qualify for GB trials and I really want to make my mark.

“I don’t actually feel like I lost anything. I’ve gained a lot of experience, I think I did well for my reputation and the reputation of my club, and I could see how proud they were of me in the final.”

Campbell made good use of his jab in the early stages of Sunday’s three-round contest, but his Yorkshire opponent put him under pressure with some good work on the inside.

The Islington boxer took control in the second round, boxing while on the ropes and catching Holmes frequently, although several of the latter’s heavy punches found their target in the closing session.

“We both gave 100 per cent and I can’t take anything away from my opponent,” added Campbell. “I don’t feel bitter or down about it.

“In amateur boxing it’s all about progress and learning and I’m very positive about what I’ve achieved.”