McGowan hails exciting charge

Sykes has been involved in several thrilling contests and many at ringside for his British super featherweight title success over Carl Johanneson were again predicting it to be shortlisted for the British Boxing Board of Control’s fight of the year.

McGowan said: “Gary has got to be the most exciting fighter in the super featherweight division and one of the most exciting in the country.

“Early in his career, Gary was nominated in the small hall fight of the year category, while his battle with Anthony Crolla was voted as undercard fight of the year.

“His title victory over Andy Morris was only pipped for the fight of the year by Jamie Moore and now last Saturday’s thriller is again being tipped for the award - all in a 19-fight career.”

While Sykes received most of the plaudits for his superb victory last week, McGowan also came in for huge praise for his work in the corner, especially after his charge was knocked down in the ninth round.

McGowan added: “I had a text off Joe Gallagher, who is regarded as the best trainer in Britain, congratulating both myself and Gary on our achievement and to receive praise off one of my heroes was a bit special.

“We always felt that until we had beaten Johanneson, a former British champion, we couldn’t consider being the best super featherweight.

“We have now beaten Carl, the man who defeated current world champion Ricky Burns, so it is a case of onwards and upwards now.

“I know Gary wants to win the Lonsdale belt outright but there also may be a shot for the European title, so we are going to have some big decisions to make.”