By Elliot Foster

Marcus Morrison has vowed to return better than ever after suffering his first career defeat.

The 24-year-old Hattersley man was soundly beaten by Jason Welborn at Manchester Arena on Saturday, as part of the undercard to Jorge Linares’ second successive points victory over Anthony Crolla.

As a result, he was forced to hand over the WBC International Silver middleweight title he won last May, live on Sky Sports, after all three ringside judges turned in scorecards against the hometown man by margins of 93-96 twice and 92-97.

Morrison, who was bloodied and bruised during the fight, reacted to his first setback on social media afterwards, before issuing a warning that he’ll be back to make another assault on the middleweight division at domestic level.

“Well, last night’s defeat was a HARD pill to swallow,” he wrote on Facebook. “I'll hold my hands up, I've got no excuses, I alone f***ed up and got beat by the better man on the night.”

Since turning professional under the tutelage of Joe Gallagher back in September 2014, ‘Sweet MNM’ had previously had it all his own way in the paid code, knocking out 10 of his 14 victims inside the distance.

And although Welborn was meant to represent a step-up for the man who first turned over at super-welterweight, he didn’t manage to grab the opportunity to push his career on to the next level and will now be forced to regroup, reassess and start again.

“It shouldn't have taken it, but believe me when I say, getting beat last night has only made me realise how much I want [and/or] need to succeed,” he continued.

“I've got a few bumps and bruises to recover from, but I'll be back in the gym very soon.

“I promise you all two things... I'll be back –– and I'll be better!

“Thanks for the support!”