LAURIETON boxer Shelley Watts has thanked fans and expressed her disappointment at a quarter final loss at the AIBA Women's World Championships last week.
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Watts was disappointed but not disheartened to go down to Yana Allekseevna on a points decision on Thursday.
On her way to the quarter final, the Commonwealth Games gold medallist knocked off world No. 9 Jina Park of Korea and Gulzhaina Ubbiniyazova of Kazakhstan.
Watts said via a Facebook post that she would put the defeat into perspective.
"I haven't forgotten about the amazing 2014 I've had and the loss in Jeju will be a lesson and a drive for my road to the Rio Olympics," she said.
"Being disappointed in a loss for me is important because it shows how much I wanted the win, the medal and to do well here."
Watts said she wasn't at her best and didn't fight to her potential or ability.
"I'll learn and come back stronger," she said.
"I think it's important to feel disappointment because now I know I don't want to feel like that again."
Meanwhile, the grounded Watts hasn't forgotten her many fans.
"Thank you to everyone who has sent through messages of support," she said.
Olympic gold and silver medallist Ryley Batt joined the well-wishers on Facebook.
"You are still a Commonwealth champ Shelley! Top effort," he wrote.
Chris Leckie said Watts was an inspiration.
"You are a great role model, not only for female boxers, but people in general," Leckie said.
Lisa Slater was full of praise for Watts and her comments.
"Spoken like a true champion," she said.
