Teofimo Lopez explained why he needed to get past Josh Taylor to rediscover his best form.
Lopez looked uncertain in the pre-fight press against a typically brash Taylor, who held the WBO super lightweight belt going into the clash and who had been undisputed at 140lbs.
However it was the American who came out on top with an unquestionably dominant performance that left Taylor wondering how best to come back.
After a middling debut at super lightweight against Pedro Campa and another unconvincing display against Sandor Martin after that, questions were emerging over Lopez’s chances of returning to the top of the sport after his loss to George Kambosos Jr.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Lopez explained why the win over Taylor was vital.
"It was a great event, great experience. I learned a lot with Josh Taylor. I can see why he beats a lot of those fighters and why he was the kingpin of 140lbs and I really appreciate having that type of fight with him," said Lopez, who fights Jamaine Ortiz tonight (live on ESPN+ in the US)
"I will not discredit Josh Taylor for what he has done in his career. He has a lot of skills. He has deserved it the hard way and I wish him nothing but the best moving on in the near future for himself.
"I needed that. I needed the motivation. I needed to question myself back when I faced Sandor Martin so we could have a top, top performance like we did in 2023 against Josh Taylor."
Live on DAZN: Super Bowl LVIII for just £0.99. Click here for details.