Dunn continued training boxers after becoming champion. He next aimed to return to the ring to defend the middle-weight championship of New South Wales in February 1900 with arrangements being made for a match between him and Tim Murphy, however the match was cancelled when Murphy moved to the United States later in the month. In late February he sparred on the program of a benefit for Hughie Napier. In April 1900 Dunn arranged a match against Melbourne boxer Fred Preston however on the night of the match both boxers refused to enter the ring as they felt the attendance was too small resulting in the venue banning both of them from ever having a match at it again.
