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Belfast featherweight Michael Conlan says “the only reason” he is still boxing is to win a world title.<\/b><\/p>\n
Conlan last fought in December 2023 when he suffered a knockout defeat by Jordan Gill.<\/p>\n
The 33-year-old\u2019s seventh-round stoppage by Gill came after world title defeats by Leigh Wood and Luis Alberto Lopez.<\/p>\n
And after a year out of the ring when it looked like his career may be over, the Belfast native is targeting a return in 2025 as he looks to work his way back into world title contention.<\/p>\n
“[Winning a world title] is the only reason I’m still boxing, I still want to be a world champion, and I still believe I have the ability to go and do that,” he told BBC Sport NI.<\/p>\n
“This is the trial to get back to that.”<\/p>\n
Conlan is aiming for a number of fights this year, starting with a bout in March, and believes he is ready to get back in the ring after a long absence.<\/p>\n
“Most likely I’ll be back out in March, a comeback style fight, 8-10 rounds, get that one done and probably fight another three times so four times in total this year,” he added.<\/p>\n
“It will be a busy one which I need after a nice break and now I’m back at it.”<\/p>\n
The Olympic bronze medallist says that there were “ups and downs” during his year off in 2024, but that the break was hugely beneficial.<\/p>\n
“It wasn’t the best year of my life, there was stuff that happened, that is life, but it was also very enjoyable to have some rest, and I think it’s done me the world of good,” Conlan said.<\/p>\n
“It is the longest I’ve ever had off from boxing, the body has been rested, the mind has been rested and now I’m hungry to get back and get the job done.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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