Prizefighter series
Pickering returned to the ring on 23 May 2009 to defeat journeyman Sid Razak in Sleaford, Lincolnshire and followed this by traveling to the Ukraine for an unexpected chance to regain the European title. Meeting reigning champion Oleg Yefimovych on 3 October 2009 in what was a voluntary defence for the champion, Pickering was outclassed and stopped in the third round. He returned once more on 29 May 2010 this time to compete in the Prizefighter series held at the York Hall in Bethnal Green. Pickering faced Josh Wale in the quarter final of the tournament, losing on a split decision to the younger man.