MARTIN Harkin says he has no excuses for his defeat to WBO European champion Michael McKinson and is determined to put the disappointment behind him.

The British No.3 welterweight showed his class against the Greenock-based boxed by cruising to a unanimous victory in the MTK Global event in Wakefield last month.

McKinson, nicknamed The Problem, shattered Harkin's unblemished record in the 10-round contest - but the 28-year-old says he has no regrets about agreeing to face the highly rated Portsmouth puncher.

He told the Tele: "I was disheartened with the fight and my performance was really poor.

"There are no excuses. He was very tricky and illusive. He wasn't a dangerous fighter but he is an awkward southpaw.

"Danny Lee prepared me well for it but in there I struggled with his style and it was difficult to nullify.

"I will definitely go back and reassess it. I had a few days to rest and to come to terms with it.

"It's made me more determined to make a proper comeback and get back on track.

"A lot of fighters avoid him because he has such an awkward style, but it was a chance I couldn't turn down because of the platform and my last fight was at the end of January.

"I knew going into the contest he could make good fighters look bad due to his style. He's ranked third in Britain and I thought 'this is my big chance', so I took it without hesitation."

Harkin hopes to get the opportunity to bounce back soon but says it's difficult to boxing shows being put on hold in Scotland due to coronavirus restrictions.

He said: "Hopefully another opportunity comes knocking soon.

"If not I can build up a few more fights and have another big show down the line.

"It's a minor setback. I was beaten convincingly but I didn't take any damage, it's not like I was knocked out in the first round and I still have my wits about me and I'm still fresh, so once Covid has died down and there are more regular shows I can get back as soon as possible."