Bristol boxer Dean Francis has ruled out stepping into the ring for a 12-round showdown with Enzo Maccarinelli at the MEN Arena in Manchester next month when the WBO version of the world cruiserweight belt will be up for grabs.

The 36-year-old fighter was disappointed with his return to the ring, following seven months on the sidelines, as in Swindon where he drew with London-based Ugandan Joey Vegas over eight rounds in Swindon.

Francis said: "There is no-one to blame but myself – I took the fight with only three weeks to prepare so it is all down to me. But there were some good lessons to learn from it – I took all his best punches and never felt threatened.

Francis was far from spectacular – he acknowledged it was a workmanlike performance and he lacked the zip in his shots previously demonstrated in title wins over Ovill McKenzie and Tony Oakey.

Vegas had previously lost on points to Nathan Cleverly, who successfully defended his Commonwealth light heavyweight title with a single round demolition of Kenyan Samson Onyango in the night's main event.

Francis had once held that crown and a unification match between the pair looked a possibility. But the adopted Bristolian gave the strongest possible hint that he is about to return his light heavyweight Lonsdale belt.

Francis added: "The (Boxing) Board of Control will soon start pressing me about making a defence of the championship and I'm likely to tell them in the next couple of weeks that I will hand it back.

"I know I could get down to 12-and-a-half stone (he was almost two stones heavier for his Swindon encounter), but dropping down drains me too much.

"I'm looking to remain a cruiserweight and look for a title in that division, but I'm going to need a couple of outings before getting to that position."

"When I get in the ring to challenge for a title, I've got to be sure I'm ready to win it and I still be believe it is my destiny to be a world champion one day."

In contrast, Swindon southpaw Jamie Cox strengthened his credentials for a challenge to British welterweight champion Kell Brook after extinguishing the resistance of Jason Rushton in less than three minutes.

And his trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick is already laying the foundation for the title bid.

He said: "That might have been Jamie's first eight-round fight at the Oasis, but we have built up to 12-round sessions in the gym for a long time, now.

"Preparation is crucial, so when the chance comes for Jamie he'll be more than ready for it.

And that opportunity is likely to come sooner rather than later, especially that he boasts a ten fight unbeaten run.