Carl Frampton believes Michael Conlan's defeat to Leigh Wood nine months ago could turn out to be a "blessing in disguise" for the Belfast boxer.
Conlan had the WBA World featherweight title in his grasp until Wood delivered a devastating 12th-round knockout to retains his belt.
It has been a year of lows and highs for the 31-year-old, who has recorded two wins since that Nottingham nightmare, including last weekend's brilliant first-round stoppage of Karim Guerfi at the SSE Arena.
Read more: NI artist stunned as Carl Frampton stops by to pick up 'epic' portrait
Conlan also beat the teak-tough Miguel Marriaga back in August at the same Belfast venue, and is now eyeing up another world title shot in 2023 - potentially against Wood who has been elevated to WBA 'Super' champion after Leo Santa Cruz vacated the strap.
"The rematch with Wood is a fight that immediately jumps out, but then the Nottingham man will be looking elsewhere and aiming to get a unification shot having just been elevated with Leo Santa Cruz vacating due to inability to make weight," Frampton told the Sunday Life.
"There appear to be other opponents wit Luis Alberto Lopez's win over Josh Warrington for the IBF title putting the Mexican in the frame as he and Conlan are both promoted by Top Rank.
"But that is for another day and should Mick get another shot at Wood he will have a lot of confidence despite the loss in March.
"He seems to have exorcised some demons that may have been present, as despite it being a great fight to watch, the way he was taken out in the final round can leave doubts.
"The two wins since will have put them to bed."
Frampton added: "His ambition has always been to become a world champion and even though he had that setback in March, in time he may look back on that night and feel it was a blessing in disguise."
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