Wolvercote Steve Mullins is already planning his next ABA title campaign following his controversial points defeat at the hands of James Degale in the final at London's ExCel Centre.

And the 24-year-old Witney middleweight will not have long to wait as the 2006 championships get under way this October and draw to a conclusion just before Christmas.

The ABA have been forced to bring forward the event due to the staging of next year's Commonwealth Games in Australia, as it would clash with their own competition with the Melbourne boxing tournament being staged in March 2006.

Unlike several of this year's finalists, Mullins has no thoughts of turning professional and trading in his vest.

"Boxing is something I enjoy and when you turn it into a way of earning a living, it places a totally different emphasis on what you do in the ring," he said.

"I'm totally committed to Wolvercote Boxing Club.

"I feel I owe a debt of gratitude to the people who have helped me get this far - the coaches and the other lads in the gym who have sparred with me all along the title trail.

"Winning that elusive ABA title would repay all those people in full and I will be doing my best in the next campaign.

"Naturally, the opportunity of a re-match with James Degale is something I can look forward to in the future, but in the meantime I hope to box at the next Wolvercote show on April 22.

"That's my way of thanking all those who have supported me in the ABA championships, but could not get to the finals in London."