A long run around the streets of Norwich and some motivational words from former British champion Jon Thaxton will be the pick-me-up for Nathan Dale as he plots his path following his first career defeat.

Dale's points loss to Philip Bowes in their final eliminator for the English super-lightweight title was the first of his career, but Thaxton, who helps train Dale alongside Graham Everett, believes he can use it to work in his favour.

'It is about putting everything into perspective, looking at what he did well, looking at the situation and learning from it,' said Thaxton.

'The guy Bowes was a tricky customer. Could Nathan have done better? Yes he could. But a loss is a loss if you don't learn from it. Sometimes a win you take for granted – I did it in my career. I started underestimating my opponents and I got beat. But the person who beat me was myself.

'It is about assessing what he did well, what he didn't do well, then move on.

'We have a lot of banter in the gym but that is where the message gets in. Graham is such a professional and I am a new trainer and I think I talk to them in a different way.

'We will sit down at a table and discuss the fight, but I will take Nathan for a long run and we can chat, just me and him while we are running and I think this could be the making of Nathan, because he will learn.'

Dale was naturally disappointed in defeat, but believes there were positives to be taken.

'It is one of those things,' he said. 'The pressure of being unbeaten has gone now, but this is a massive learning experience for me.

Dale points to fellow KickStop Gym boxer Ryan Walsh, who lost to Lee Selby three years ago, but then wen on to win – and defend twice – the British featherweight title.

'Ryan did this, he lost, but look how he has come back now,' said Dale. 'He is highly-regarded and his career has taken off.

'Jon (Thaxton) as well – he lost early in his career, but he learned from it and went on to win major belts. If I can do what those two have done I would be delighted.'

Whilst Dale reflects on what might have been, stablemate Zaiphan Morris is holding promoter Mervyn Turner to his promise of a title fight after winning a difficult encounter with Harvey Hemsley on points.

'He promised me a title fight if I won – he also promised me a tough fight and that was what I got,' said Morris. 'Harvey is one of those fighters who will take anyone into the trenches and give them a hard, hard fight. I like to think I kept him at bay and was a class above and worthy of a title shot. They promised me one and I am going to hold them to it.'

Aylsham's Scott Moises returned to the ring after a long break with a points win over the much-travelled Kristian Laight and, as usual, loved every minute of it, from the moment he entered the ring wearing a duck's mask.

'I loved every single moment,' he said. 'It was great to be back after the lay-off. Having the support I did was so much appreciated - I love them all.'