Update: Statement regarding the Gary Sykes homecoming postponement

Gary Sykes dream of headlining a homecoming show in Dewsbury has been put on hold after the show was postponed.
Gary Sykes with the English super featherweight title belt.
By Javed IqbalGary Sykes with the English super featherweight title belt.
By Javed Iqbal
Gary Sykes with the English super featherweight title belt. By Javed Iqbal

Sykes was due to fight at Dewsbury Sports Centre on June 15 but the card was pulled on Wednesday after Dewsbury Sports Centre wasn’t approved as a suitable boxing venue in time for the show to go ahead.

Gary’s promoter Steve Wood released a statement this morning (Thursday) saying: “We are all absolutely gutted not least Gary Sykes.

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“He has trained really hard for this show and has been looking really good after winning and defending the English super featherweight title this year.

“Unfortunately though it’s out of our hands. The sports hall is actually on the second floor, and even though paramedics have visited and said access in case of an emergency is fine, this can’t be approved until the next (British Boxing) Board meeting and there won’t be time then to appoint officials.

“We were actually beginning to struggle a bit with the card anyway due to pull-outs and the last thing VIP want to do is put on a show that isn’t value for money for fans, so maybe this postponement was meant to be.”

Although many Sykes fans have been left disappointment that the show has been postponed, there is still hope that the Dewsbury star will still box in front of his home crowd.

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Mr Wood added: “The plan is to rearrange the show for the new season, and we’re working really hard to ensure that when Gary does next box it will be an eliminator for the British title against Liverpool’s Stephen Smith, which will be a cracking fight. Hopefully Yorkshire and Dewsbury fans will come out and support Gary when he’s next in the ring because he deserves it.”

Mr Wood apologised to the fans who had bought tickets and were looking forward to the show and reiterate that all monies can be reimbursed from point of sale.

Full story in Friday’s Dewsbury Reporter.