Michael Conlan says he "paid the price" for a slow start against Luis Alberto Lopez after suffering world title heartache for a second time on Saturday night.
The 31-year-old's dreams of becoming IBF featherweight king were felled by champion Lopez who retained his crown with a devastating stoppage win at the SSE Arena.
Conlan was floored by a vicious uppercut in the fifth round, prompting the towel to be thrown in by his coach Adam Booth.
Read more: Conlan vs Lopez as it happened at the SSE Arena
It was a devastating finish from Lopez who thrived under the Belfast lights in front of a partisan crowd of 10,000 fans.
It is the second time Conlan has lost out in a world title shot. The previous time he was knocked out by Leigh Wood in the final round of their war in Nottingham.
And while that domestic clash was 2022's Fight of the Year, Saturday night's showdown with Lopez was a far more one-sided affair.
Conlan conceded he "wasn't at the races" against the Mexican and "paid the price for it".
In a statement posted on his social media, the Falls Road man said: "I'm good folks. Wasn't at the races tonight, couldn't seem to get going and paid the price for it.
"Congratulations Luis Alberto Lopez on a great performance. I wish you all the best in the future champion. Thank you for the opportunity."
On the same night that former foe Wood reclaimed the WBA World featherweight title with an impressive win over Mauricio Lara, Conlan's own career appears to be at a crossroads.
He had previously spoken about the magnitude of Saturday night's fight against Lopez, and how important victory would be to keep the boxing feelgood factor going in Belfast.
Former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton warned as much last week when he suggested most of Saturday's undercard fighters would be desperate for a Conlan win.
Alongside his brother Jamie, Conlan Boxing helped bring big-time boxing back to the city, with showpiece nights at the SSE Arena and Falls Park as part of the Feile festival.
It remains to be seen how damaging another world title defeat is to Conlan's career, and Belfast's ability to attract more elite events.
Conlan says he will take some time away with his family before deciding on his next move.
He added: "Thanks to everyone who reached out and wished me luck, I can't get back to you all but I appreciate it!
"I'm gonna take some time away from social media now to enjoy my family and decide what the next steps are for me.
"Again, thank you Belfast for an amazing atmosphere and turnout tonight.
"Love, MC x."
Lopez won the world title last December against Josh Warrington in Leeds, and has now defended it in Conlan's Belfast back yard.
If there were any doubts over the Mexican's credentials, he has now answered them in spades with his last two wins.
He said afterwards: "I think Michael Conlan underestimated my power. I am stronger than him and more powerful than him. He has speed and great footwork.
"I did a great training camp, I was a little nervous but I got the win and am very happy about that.
"I wanted to come to Belfast so I could prove to myself that I am a true champion.
"I had an issue when I was injured when I was champion in 2019 and I really, really wanted to make a statement today, being a world champion with my first defence."
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