Gary Sykes to meet Stephen Smith in British title elminator

Team Central - Julian McGowan, Gary Sykes and John Tallant.
By Javed Iqbal — Team Central - Julian McGowan, Gary Sykes and John Tallant. By Javed Iqbal

The British Boxing Board of Control has put the fight out to purse bids and have ordered the contest to take place before the end of Spetmeber.

British title holder Gary Buckland will defend his crown against John Simpson and the winner will the face the victor of the Sykes-Smith showdown.

It promises to be an exciting few months for the Dewsbury star, who will fight in front of his home crowd on June 15 before tackling Smith in the new boxing season.

Liverpool’s Smith, nicknamed Swifty, has only lost one of 16 contests, although much of his career has been at featherweight.

Victory for Sykes in Dewsbury, followed by success over Scouser Smith, would mean the Dewsbury man would be likely to fight for the British title - and the chance to win the Lonsdale belt outright - in his 30th pro bout.

Tickets for the June 15 homecoming in Dewsbury are available from Mark Waters on 07890 071883