Gary Sykes records sensational British title win

Sykes was cut above his right eye in the first round and knocked down in the second but climbed off the canvas and showed guts and determination to record a win that sees the 30-year-old capture the Lonsdale belt outright.

Two judges had the fight level, while the other had Kays two rounds ahead, when Sykes caught Kays with an overhand right in the 10th, which forced the Ashton man onto the ropes.

Seeing his opponent was hurt, Sykes pounced and launched a flurry of punches, which saw the referee step in to stop the contest and spark ecstatic scenes from his team and supporters who had packed into the sports centre to witness history.

There is now talk of Kirklees Council honouring Gary with a Civic Reception at Dewsbury Town Hall this Tuesday, when the public will be invited to celebrate the Dewsbury star’s success.

Follow @reporterAndy1 or @DewsReporter on Twitter and log into this website for full details of the Civic Reception.

See this week’s paper for a special Gary Sykes supplement and comprehensive coverage from one of the greatest sporting nights Dewsbury has seen.