Sykes vows to sparkle for home fans

Dewsbury boxer Gary Sykes has vowed to put on a sparkling display in front of his home supporters when professional boxing returns to the town on June 15.
Gary Sykes v Jon Kays
English super featherweight title defence. Motorpoint Arena SheffieldGary Sykes v Jon Kays
English super featherweight title defence. Motorpoint Arena Sheffield
Gary Sykes v Jon Kays English super featherweight title defence. Motorpoint Arena Sheffield

It will be the first time former British champion Sykes has boxed in Dewsbury and although an opponent is yet to be officially announced, the show is creating a great deal of interest among the town’s sports fans.

It has been a busy few months for Sykes, who will be in his third 10-round fight in 13 weeks, following English title victories over Kevin Hooper and Jon Kays.

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The Dewsbury man is relishing the prospect of fighting in front of his home crowd — possibly for an International Masters title — and is appealing for fans to fill Dewsbury Sports Centre in what is the town’s first professional boxing show in over a decade.

The 29-year-old said: “Training for three fights in less than four months is starting to take its toll but I am determined to give it my all and put the hard work in for the next two weeks before taking a break.

“We are really going to start pushing the tickets now. I think some people are leaving it until the last minute to get them but it would be great to see the place packed out.”

Sykes has again sparred with Adil Anwar, who himself is in training for a British light welterweight shot in July, while Chester lightweight Chris Goodwin has also had sessions with the reigning English super featherweight champion.

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Sykes added: “I sparred a lot for my other two fights and this is the busiest I have been in my career.

“I’ll give it my all for the next two weeks, then take a break so I can come back refreshed in September.”

Sykes has already been mandated to fight Liverpool’s Stephen Smith in a British title eliminator and along with trainer Julian McGowan and conditioner John Tallant, the team plan to make an onslaught to win the Lonsdale belt outright.

Tickets for the Sykes homecoming are available by calling Mark Waters on 07890 071883, from Gary’s training base at the Central Boxing Club, in Dicky’s Gym, Batley, or from Dewsbury Sports Centre.