Sykes sets up British title shot with victory over Riyaz

Gary Sykes secured a 28th win of his professional career on Saturday night, with a convincing victory over Ibrar Riyaz at Liverpool’s Olympia.
By Andrew Hunt
Published 26th Jul 2015, 12:07 GMT
Gary Sykes recorded a 60-54 points win over Ibrar Riyaz in Liverpool.Gary Sykes recorded a 60-54 points win over Ibrar Riyaz in Liverpool.
Gary Sykes recorded a 60-54 points win over Ibrar Riyaz in Liverpool.

The Dewsbury man is now in line to fight Scott Cardle for the British lightweight tile, with a possible date of September 19 being earmarked.

Sykes dominated the fight against durable journeymen Riyaz, winning all six rounds on referee Terry O’Connor’s card as he bounced back from defeat to Cromer’s Liam Walsh last November.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sykes admitted after that he felt more comfortable, and stronger, having moved up to lightweight after previously been a former two-time British super featherweight champion.

Most Popular

The 31-year-old now turns his focus on preparations for the Cardle fight as he aims to become a two-weight British champion.

Top of the bill in Liverpool saw Manchester’s David Barnes upset the odds by overcoming home man Andy Colqhoun 95-94 in a thrilling British light welterweight title eliminator.

Full fight report and reaction from Liverpool in Thursday Batley News and Friday’s Dewsbury Reporter and Spenborough Guardian.

Related topics:LiverpoolDewsbury