Hectic time for local fighters

Dewsbury star Gary Sykes travels to Cleethorpes to take on unbeaten prospect Kevin Hooper for the vacant English super featherweight title on Friday March 15.

Victory for Sykes would almost certainly see the 28-year-old put forward to fight for his old British title.

Sykes remains just one win away from capturing the Lonsdale belt outright and trainer Julian McGowan admits he will not rest until his charge gets another crack at the crown.

McGowan said: “I just know we have another big night ahead and to win the Lonsdale belt outright would be fantastic.

“I am going to give every ounce of energy to make sure Gary gets another shot at the British title and when he wins the English title I will insist the (British Boxing) Board mandate him to fight for that title.”

English featherweight champion Josh Warrington looks set to make the first defence of his crown at Leeds Town Hall on March 22, although an opponent is to be finalised.

Warrington defeated Chris Male in Dudley in November and the big Leeds United fan paraded his belt at Elland Road over Christmas.

Dewsbury welterweight Tony Aitcheson also looks set to appear on the undercard for Warrington’s title defence as he aims to take the first step on the comeback trail.

A fourth pro to base himself at Central is James Ancliff, born in Perth, Scotland, but now living in Leeds.

Ancliff has met some of the top domestic fighters at his weight, including Kid Galahad, reigning British featherweight champion Lee Selby and Joe Murray and he is better than his record of 11 wins in 36 outings suggests.

Ancliff is set to fight Lewis Jones, who won his debut pro fight in December, at Doncaster Dome on Friday February 15.