Michael Conlan has revealed he had no memory of being knocked by Leigh Wood when he regained consciousness.
Conlan was ahead on the judges' scorecards going into the final round of his world title challenge in Nottingham.
But he was knocked out cold and sent through the ropes by Wood as the champion produced a stunning comeback to hold on to his belt.
Read more: Leigh Wood sends World title message to Michael Conlan after devastating KO win
Conlan was immediately taken to hospital where he was given the all-clear and released this morning before being reunited with Wood.
And the Belfast man admitted he didn't know what had happened when he was revived at ringside.
"When I woke up I was like 'what happened? Did I lose?'," he told BBC Sport before the reality kicked in.
"I was devastated. I was annoyed, I got a bit frustrated and I was confused. There was a realisation as things started to kick in.
"I believed it was going to be my night, it was going to be my night until that punch. It's just unfortunate but these things happen."
Michael Conlan reflects on his defeat (Image: Mark Robinson)
Wood was making the first defence of the featherweight world title he won from Xu Can last summer.
He is likely to target the winner of Josh Warrington's rematch with Kiko Martinez which takes place in Leeds later this month, reports the Mirror.
But Conlan is desperate to secure a rematch following the first defeat of his professional career.
"I want a rematch. I think the performance, with me leading on the cards, deserves a rematch," he said.
"I think I've slept an hour. I've been on my phone looking at things. I've been off social media so I was seeing everything and there was loads of positive stuff.
"At the same time, I lost. I hate losing. It's the worst feeling in the world for me."
Talk of Wood headlining at Forest’s home ground – or that of Premier League Leeds – is a far cry from his humble beginnings, with the 33-year-old’s career stalled by defeats to domestic rivals Gavin McDonnell in February 2014 and Jazza Dickens six years later.
But he catapulted himself into the big time with an upset victory – also via 12th-round stoppage – over Can Xu last July to become world champion and can now look forward to many more big nights.
"For a long time, Leigh Wood has been scrimping around for no money in the sport, boxing for no money, on the road and the last year or so he’s started making money,” promoter Eddie Hearn added.
"He’s dedicated his whole life to the sport and you saw what he went through here, he deserves everything he gets from here and we’ll make sure it’s a massive fight next wherever it is."
Read more: Michael Conlan and Leigh Wood reunited after epic world title fight
Read more: Michael Conlan issues message to fans after brutal final-round knockout
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