'From now on' - Jazza Dickens eyes Michael Conlan showdown after winning return

Jazza Dickens set his sights on a huge British showdown with Michael Conlan after declaring that it is 'big fights only' from here.

Dickens, who lost his IBO featherweight title when he was stopped by Hector Andres Sosa last time out, made his return to the ring after 11 months out against Jayro Fernando Duran on Saturday night. The 33-year-old cut a relaxed and confident figure as he made his way to the ring at the Olympia to Peter Gabriel’s 1970s anthem, Solsbury Hill.

And the huge Everton supporter showed no signs of ring rust as he sent Duran flying to the canvas in the opening round after landing a flurry of shots to the head and body. Duran, to his credit, showed huge heart to get through the opening three rounds as Dickens continued to land shots to the head and body.

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The onslaught continued in rounds four and five, before the fight was eventually waved off by referee Steve Gray with 90 seconds remaining in round number six. Dickens once again knocked down Duran, and although he managed to beat the 10-count, just seconds later Gray waved the contest off.

“It has been the longest 11 months of my life,” Dickens said after the fight. “It is big fights only from now on.

“I was conflicted between my styles as I have been working on stuff in the gym. I thought I would wear him down, so I was a bit conflicted.

“Josh Warrington refused to fight me. Leigh Wood refused to fight me. Michael Conlan hasn’t refused to fight me, so we will leave it over to Michael.

“World title eliminators is what I am going for next. We had to take a fight like this tonight, but I am looking forward to what is ahead.”