Jamie Conlan believes Lewis Crocker became the "forgotten man of Irish Boxing" due to his inactivity last year.
The 26-year-old didn't fight once during 2022, with a number of planned fights being cancelled due to injury, the flu, and an opponent not turning up.
Conlan says Crocker is ready to make up for lost time in 2023, with the unbeaten knockout artist set to return to the ring this April on the undercard of Kieran Molloy's big Galway show.
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"2022 was a year to forget for Lewis. He is the forgotten man now in Irish boxing because of the lack of activity," Conlan Boxing chief Jamie told Belfast Live.
"He was riding the crest of a wave the year before, topping his first bill at the Ulster Hall. And then injuries and setbacks saw things fall apart.
"But Lewis learned a lot and he grew from that experience, and he has plenty to work on this year.
"The aim now is April 21 in Galway. Lewis will go on that.
"The division is pretty hot at the minute with Ekow Essuman, Chris Kongo and Michael McKinson and fighters like that. I think Lewis is already above that level.
"But he is in the mix for some massive fights for a UK audience. He has got the talent, and is still young."
Crocker won the European title in 2020 before defending the belt twice, including a great stoppage win over Artem Haroyan at the Ulster Hall.
That was in November 2021, and he hasn't fought since.
"Last year was cruel on him. He picked up a rib injury in the last round of his last spar ahead of his scheduled return fight last August," Conlan said.
"He injured cartilage on the rib which delayed things. We got him a new date in October in Germany on Pody McCrory's card, but the injury hadn't healed.
"He was then due to fight on Michael's card in December, but his opponent didn't get on the plane to travel. I have never witnessed that before.
"Then the week after we got Lewis a fight in Birmingham, and he picks up a severe flu. The kid has had no luck.
"It was very frustrating. We wanted him out February or March, but Lewis was the bigger man and said let's not rush, let's devise a plan.
"So April is the target."
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