Kash Farooq has joked it felt great to be 'punched in the face again'. 

The former British bantamweight champion defeated Angel Aviles earlier this month comprehensively over ten rounds, in his first ring appearance in almost a year.

The Pakistan-born Glasgow-based fighter took a unanimous points decision over his Mexican opponent, taking his professional record to 14 victories from 15 fights.

Farooq has urged his promoter, Eddie Hearn, to keep him busy. 

The 24-year-old said: “I need to make up for lost time and I appreciate everyone is in the same boat due to the coronavirus. Every boxer is desperate to fight regularly and start earning money.  I know I will have to be patient but I don’t want to be waiting too long. An active fighter is a happy fighter.

“I’m happy that I got the rounds under my belt.  I need to shake off ring rust and he was the perfect opponent for me to do that. He was very durable and took plenty of good shots.

 “I would give myself an 8 out of 10, but I know I can move on to a higher level. I’m pleased with the feedback.  I was even trending on Twitter! I have to make sure it doesn’t go to my head."

Sterner tests lie ahead for Farooq but Eddie Hearn is predicting a very bright future for his fighter.   

He said: “He is a future world champion. He is a future star not just in British boxing but world boxing. I rate him that highly.”