In the aftermath of his brother's brutal knockout defeat in Nottingham, Jamie Conlan questioned if it was worth it anymore.
Seconds away from being crowned world champion, Michael was knocked unconscious through the ropes as Leigh Wood defended his WBA title in devastating fashion.
Sitting at ringside, Jamie caught his brother's lifeless body as it slumped towards the ground, in what was a dramatic - and concerning - end to one of the fights of the year.
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Five months on and Michael is preparing for his comeback against Miguel Marriaga this weekend.
But that night in Nottingham will lurk long in the memory of his older sibling.
"It was tough after that fight. Very tough," Jamie told Belfast Live.
"It was tough seeing what any brother shouldn't have to see. Having to catch him the way I did. And then everything afterwards.
"It was very hard to get over it, but the only way to get over it is to refocus on something new, and I was very proud of how Michael handled it, and how he matured.
"How he grew as a man, a father and as a brother, as well as a boxer. He carried himself very well, in the build-up, in the fight and after the fight.
"It was a very tough pill to swallow."
Jamie came through several wars during his own impressive career, challenging for the IBF world super-flyweight title in 2017.
Affectionately known as 'The Mexican', his relentless style delivered countless slugfests, endearing him to boxing fans all over the world.
He admits his experiences in and out of the ring probably desensitised him to the dangers of the sport.
"I still remember the first time I saw a knockout in the amateur ranks. I was only about 11 or 12 years of age and it opened my eyes," he added.
"You probably do become desensitised because you see it so much, but when it is so up close and personal, you start to question why you're in it.
"And I did for a few weeks and months. I really started asking myself what's the point.
"But the good this brings to communities and families, especially working class families, outweighs the bad.
"I spoke to Michael after leaving the ring that night in Nottingham, and he actually brought me round by just saying: 'This is boxing. These things happen'.
"His dreams were crushed, but for him to be so strong and mature about it, and say something like that, just reminded me why I am in this game.
"His mental toughness dragged me through it. He didn't dwell on it as much as you would expect someone to."
Conlan makes his comeback on Saturday night at the SSE Arena against the teak-tough Marriaga.
His Colombian opponent has more knockouts than Conlan has had fights.
Jamie believes it will be another stepping stone towards the ultimate goal of seeing his brother crowned world champion.
"Everything happens for a reason, and I believe Nottingham was the last learning curve," Jamie said.
"It is the last box he ticked, and he learned it the cruellest way possible."
READ NEXT:
- Ryan Burnett in praise for Michael Conlan ahead of comeback fight
- Michael Conlan opens up on brutal weight cut and two-stone gain since Leigh Wood defeat
- Tyrone McKenna ready to unlock 'missing link' on Michael Conlan undercard
- Belfast boxer happy to 'ride the wave' towards title glory
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