With Jamie Power and Willie Casey still etching out a path in the profession in Ireland, Andy Lee remains the star attraction.
The Castleconnell 24-year-old hopes to end six months on the sidelines with his 18th pro-fight at the end of this month or in early February.
Alas, the fight won't be in Limerick.
"I more or less have something lined up for around March 16 in New York and I am looking forward to that, but I hope to sort out something small before that," Andy Lee explained to the Limerick Leader from his home in Daly's Cross.
"There are a couple of offers, but nothing solid," he said of the January or February fight.
After a number of weeks back in Ireland for Christmas, Lee is returning to Detroit this week to recommence training with Emannual Steward in the Kronk Gym.
2008 had promised so much for the middleweight.
After a hectic finish to 2007 with fights in October, November and December, Lee's homecoming to Limerick brought 3,000 fans to the UL Arena last February for an easy knockout win over Argentinean Alejandro Falliga.
However, all came crashing down when he lost to Brian Vera in Connecticut in March.
That fight was his live TV debut on US television sports network ESPN and was to launch his world title bid.
Lee re-launched his career with the July 19 win over Gibbs, but a persistent eye wound was a constant irritant.
In October, it was decided to go under the knife in an attempt to ensure that the persistent cut over his right eye did not remain an ongoing problem in his pro-boxing career.
"It was a bad year in terms of losing and then getting injured."
He added: "But I had two great fights in Limerick and to date they have been the highlight of my pro career. I am looking forward to getting back into the ring."
The southpaw agrees with the adage that more can be learned in defeat than in victory.
"You find out a lot about yourself when you lose and about those around you. I am hoping that all that will stand to me in the next year and during from career."
Prior to arrving in Limerick for Christmas, Lee was in a training camp in Spain with Wladimir Klitschko, who was preparing for what turned out to be the defence of his IBF, WBO and IBO Heavyweight titles.
"I got through some good work in Spain and that should stand to me in the New Year.
"I am really just looking forward to getting back into the ring and hopefully 2009 will be a big year for me."