Jazza Dickens won the MTK Golden Contract featherweight final as he set a searing pace to claim a unanimous points decision over Ryan Walsh at Production Park, Wakefield.

In a clash of former British champion, Dickens was positive and accurate, not leaving many openings for Walsh to get close and put pressure on him. It earns Dickens a two-year, five-fight deal with MTK Global, with each fight coming with a six-figure purse. Dickens also retained the WBO “European” belt.

Dickens said he hopes the win would put him in line for a shot at the WBO title, held by Emanuel Navarette. Walsh had been Navarette’s No 1 contender

“We’ve boxed many different ways in the tournament and seen many different styles, I proved I can do it all,” Dickens said. “Going into this tournament, I knew it was my chance to show what I can do all along, so I’ve had my moment on Sky Sport. So I am feel.

“In this tournament I beat British, Commonwealth and two European champions. I will have my reward when I win that world title.”

The fight had originally been scheduled for September, until Dickens tested positive for COVID-19.

Walsh, who boxed southpaw for most of the fight, had his best success when he went to the body, but tended to hold his feet too long and was not busy enough. Dickens, meanwhile, set a terrific workrate, staying light on his feet and keeping a constanf stream of short, sharp hooks firing at Walsh.

Walsh finally switched back to orthodox in the eighth round, but Dickens soon found him with a sharp three-punch combination. He managed to exert some pressure in the ninth and the tenth finally became the tear-up that the Norfolk fighter would have wanted, although Dickens held his own.

Victor Loughlin scored it 98-93, with Michael Alexander going 97-94 and Terry O’Connor 96-94.