Prizefighter delivers tough draw for Gary Sykes
The Dewsbury boxer will meet unbeaten Hull prospect Tommy Coyle in the first round and victory could set up a re-match with Anthony Crolla — who Sykes defeated in a British title eliminator in May 2009.
Pre-tournament favourites Derry Mathews and Crolla have been kept in separate halves of the draw.
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Hide AdSykes’ bout with Coyle will be the fourth first-round clash on, meaning he would have the shortest rest period between all his fights if he is to go all the way and lift the trophy and net the £32,000 first prize.
Liverpool’s Mathews takes on Jamie Spence in his first-round fight, Crolla meets Steve Jennings and Halifax’s Liam Patrick Walsh will face unbeaten Terry Flannigan, from Manchester.
First-round draw: Mathews v Spence; Walsh v Flannigan; Crolla v Jennings; Sykes v Coyle.
Semi-finals: Mathews or Spence v Walsh or Flannigan; Crolla or Jennings v Sykes or Coyle.