Sykes receives significant sponsorship from NextCar

British boxing champion Gary Sykes picks up the keys to his new car from Sharlotte Wood and C-Jay Barraclough of Nextcar in Batley. (D553B428)

The 30-year-old has received an MG convertible car, which is emblazoned with Team Sykes logos and pictures of his Lonsdale belt, designed and made by Adam Harrison, of Heckmondwike.

C-Jay Barraclough has taken over the family run business from his dad, Ian, alongside girlfriend Sharlotte Wood, who turned 18 on Wednesday.

C-Jay was ringside when Sykes defeated Ashton’s Jon Kays at Dewsbury Sports Centre in May to reclaim the British super featherweight title and win the Lonsdale belt outright.

C-Jay said: “A lot of our loyal customers know Gary and we are proud of what he has achieved.

“He is a local lad who has done something good for the area and as an established Batley business, who have been here over 25 years and have had the same mechanic on site throughout that time, we thought it would be good to sponsor him.”

Sykes added: “It is a fantastic gesture for NextCar to give me the car and it couldn’t have come at a better time for me.

“I’ve just moved house to Thornhill Lees and having the car will help me get to training.

“I’ll also take it along to charity events and galas I get asked to attend, which will help promote the NextCar brand.”

Sykes is due to have pins removed from a hand injury sustained in the Kays fight next week and is eying a ring return in October.

Sykes added: “This is the longest time I’ve had out of the gym for 16 years as an amateur or professional.

“Once all the razzamatazz of a fight had died down, I like to get back in the gym but I haven’t even been able to do my usual runs let alone box.

“There is only so much shadow boxing you can do and I can’t wait to be given the all clear to resume training.

“It will be a long, hard camp and there is still talk of me boxing Liam Walsh but we will have to see.”

Sykes was due to fight Walsh on the huge Manchester bill this Saturday before injury curtailed that chance.

Walsh now fights a 10- round non-title contest at lightweight, against Grimsby’s Kevin Hooper, who Sykes defeated for the English super featherweight title in March 2013.