Michael Conlan prepares to make his comeback against Miguel Marriaga on Saturday.
The 30-year-old was moments away from winning the WBA 'Regular' title in March before Leigh Wood knocked him out in devastating fashion.
The Belfast featherweight was not interested in an "easier" return.
"To get back in the title race as soon as possible, it needs to be this opponent," he said.
"I would have been forgiven if I had chose an easier fight but I don't understand why I would do that."
Wood's spectacular punch resulted in the first defeat of a previously unblemished pro career for Conlan.
He was treated by medics after being knocked through the ropes and was eventually taken to hospital, where he received the all-clear.
Despite the ending, Conlan thinks his overall performance was a good one.
"I would have come back differently if I was beaten in the last fight, but I wasn't. It was one punch," Conlan added.
"Coming off of the last fight, you can't really knock it. It was a fantastic performance. I just got unfortunate in the end.
"I've fixed the mistakes I was making and that's the most important thing."
Conlan accepts three-time title challenger, Marriaga who has five losses on his record and is a dangerous puncher. The Colombian has 26 knockouts from 30 wins, compared to Conlan's eight.
A convincing win over Marriaga would boost Conlan's chances of securing a rematch with Wood.
