James Gallagher releases statement following KO loss: ‘I’m still the s**t’

James Gallagher was served a slice of humble pie on Friday, but he’s not letting the loss get him down.

The 21-year-old Irishman, who’s brash attitude has earned him a fair share of promotion, suffered his first career loss at Bellator 204 when he was brutally knocked out by Ricky Bandejas.

Not only did Gallagher fail to make it out of the first round, his defeat came shortly after some ill-fated pre-fight theatrics:

Gallagher wasted no time addressing the loss, taking to Instagram to vow that he will bounce back from it.

“I talked a big game and got the big fall, that everyone [is] scared to do,” Gallagher wrote. “If I hadn’t [have talked] none of you would be talking about me either. It’ll be the best thing that ever happened me! I’ll take it on the chin (literally) and move on.

“Hats off to my opponent, I show up fully prepared ready to go there’s no excuses. I’m going to bounce back from that loss and climb my way back up and become world champion. I woke up today with no injuries and with the people who care still around me. I get back to the gym put in the work and climb my way back. Nothing will keep me down! My spirit is bruised , never broken! I’m still the s**t!”

Gallagher was dropping down to 135 pounds for the first time and it’s unclear whether the SBG Ireland product will remain at bantamweight or return to featherweight for his next bout.