Last year was one of mixed emotions for Huddersfield’s English light-welterweight champion Tyrone Nurse.

Now the 24-year-old will be looking to turn the setbacks into success as he makes a push for a possible British title fight in 2015.

Things started on the up last April, when Nurse promised to put on a stand-out performance against Ely’s Tyler Goodjohn for the vacant light-welterweight title, when the Sky cameras were in attendance to see if he could keep his word.

The fight was held on April 20 at the Manchester Arena, and Nurse outpointed Goodjohn on a unanimous decision.

The Huddersfield man’s opponent had no chance on the night as he was completely dominated from the off. Nurse took the verdict 100-90, 98-91 and 98-92.

Among those to congratulate Nurse, were former British Champion Curtis Woodhouse and leading promoter David Coldwell.

On the back of capturing the English light-welterweight belt, the Gladiator Boxing Academy (GBA) ace was handed another outing in front of the Sky cameras.

It was the first time top sports promoters Matchroom, run by Barry Hearn and his son Eddie, staged a show in Leeds.

Nurse claimed a convincing triumph at the expense of Driffield’s Danny Little on May 21. The bout lasted all six rounds and Nurse managed to pick up a favourable 60-54 decision on a bill where home favourite Josh Warrington was the star performer.

In June, trainer Chris Aston welcomed the news that Nurse was to fight the winner of Woodhouse and Willie Limond for the British light-welterweight title. The confirmation came after Bradley Saunders pulled out of a final eliminator.

The bout was to take place on November 29, before which Nurse had a Commonwealth title date on October 4.

Eddie Hearn backed Nurse to underline his credentials, saying that he is one of the most underrated fighters in the UK.

On the bill that included Warrington’s WBC Featherweight title fight, Nurse suffered disappointment, however, in his Commonwealth title bid as Derby’s Dave Ryan edged a thriller on points at the Leeds Arena.

Despite defeat, there was evidence that Nurse possesses strong will as he was floored in each of the two opening rounds but fought back strongly.

The early shots were crucial as Ryan claimed a close call 114-113 (twice) and 113-113 to win the vacant belt.

After two great victories, the loss against Ryan pulled Nurse away from touching distance of a British title fight against Scotland’s Limond and his mandatory position was handed to Chris Jenkins.

With two months remaining, the year could not possibly end quietly for the Huddersfield prodigy as he stepped back into the ring on November 29 at the Bowlers in Manchester.

The Yorkshireman put away Bulgarian Radoslav Metiv inside four rounds – fans were still making their way in as Nurse made light work of his opponent to move back to winning ways.

An explosive finish to 2014 is evidence that Nurse will continue working hard in his pursuit for a British title shot this year.