Brendan Ingle-stabled Siddique could have the chance to bounce back as soon as September.

His first defeat in 23 professional fights came against Walsall-based Martin Gethen last weekend. Gethen recorded a technical KO after the fight was stopped in the closing stages of the penultimate round at the Robin Park Arena, Wigan.

But despite suffering a cut above his eye early on and admitting that he was 'drained' after the third round, the adopted Steel City boxer insists that he was not outclassed by Gethen and that the result hasn't knocked his self-confidence.

"I can't pinpoint an exact cause of the defeat," Siddique told The Star. "I don't know if the occasion got to me, or if it was the cameras present, but I was tired after three rounds.

"From then on, it was all about trying to grind out a result, and I made a few mistakes. I'm sure that if I didn't get tired, I would have played with that kid (Gethen).

"But I'll put it down as an experience, it'll make me a better fighter - I'll become even more determined and disciplined and I can't wait to get back into the ring."

That could be September, after Siddique revealed that he has had numerous offers for bouts after playing his part in what was labelled 'the fight of the year' by the promoters.

"The fight has given me confidence - I now know that, even when I have got nothing left in the tank, I can stand there and fight. But I know myself that I am better than that.

"If I can take part in what the promoters said was the fight of the year when I'm not all here, I can't wait to see what I can do when I'm firing on all cylinders."

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