Town gets ready for Gary Sykes’ British title fight

Gary Sykes is just one week away from his British super featherweight title fight against Manchester’s Jon Kays at the sports centre.

And as he bids to capture the Lonsdale belt outright, Mr Wardle insisted everyone is excited for the fight.

He said: “We have been working hard with the promoters and my aim as manager is to get everyone in Dewsbury proud of the show.

“There has not been a show like this before that I am aware of. There has been big events but nothing in terms of such a significant British title fight.

“We hope all of Dewsbury will get behind Gary.”

On the day of the bout, Saturday May 24, the facilities at the centre will close from 3pm.

Portable bars and stalls selling programmes and Sykes’ merchandise will also be installed at the centre.

Mr Wardle said: “Ticket sales are going well but we urge everyone to come down and support Gary.”

Coun Paul Kane (Lab, Dews East) has also encouraged everyone to show their support.

He said: “He is a local lad and everyone wishes him the best of luck. We hope he can be successful on the night.”

Dewsbury area committee has also spent £500 to produce a brochure for the bout.

Coun Kane said: “There has been lots of fighters from Dewsbury in the past and we wanted it to be a souvenir for people to keep.”

See page 72 for a chance to win two ringside tickets for the fight.