Michael Conlan did not get any calls for a fight in 2024.

Instead, the speculation that simmered was that the Irishman should call it quits after suffering his third devastating stoppage loss in a 21-month, five-fight stretch.

The last time the 33-year-old Conlan graced the ring was in December 2023 when he lost via TKO to Jordan Gill. That followed a May 2023 TKO loss to Luis Alberto Lopez. Both of the bouts took place in Conlan's hometown of Belfast.

Conlan (18-3, 9 KOs), a two-time Olympian and a bronze medalist in the 2012 London Games, clarified where his career currently stands, telling BBC Northern Ireland that the only reason he wants to continue fighting is to become a world champion.

"[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," said Conlan. "This is the trial to get back to that.

"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.

"It will be a busy one which I need after a nice break and now I'm back at it."

Conlan's recent slide first started in 2022 when he suffered a knockout loss to Leigh Wood. Conlan strung back-to-back wins against Miguel Marriaga and Karim Guerfi before slumping yet again against Lopez and Gill. Perhaps the former title challenger's 2024 hiatus will prove to be a beneficial one.

"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," said Conlan.

"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."