Dewsbury boxer Gary Sykes is heading for a shot at the big time after sensationally reclaiming his British super-featherweight title in front of his home crowd.
Sykes, 30, was down and almost out in a “brutal” fight but bravely fought back to beat John Kays on a technical knockout.
Saturday night’s victory set up a mandatory – and lucrative – title defence against Liam Walsh.
The fight will be on the same bill as the eagerly-awaited world heavyweight title eliminator between Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora at the Phones 4U Arena in Manchester on July 26.
Sykes, who now gets to keep the prestigious Lonsdale belt, looked to be heading for defeat watched by 800 fans at Dewsbury Sports Centre.
But words of encouragement from his corner saw him stop his opponent in the tenth round.
Sykes, who had been cut and forced to the canvas, was left battered and bruised but trainer Julian McGowan said: “This is what we’ve always aimed for.
“Whatever happens now Gary has won the Lonsdale belt, the most prestigious and historic belt in world boxing. It’s a fantastic achievement.”
McGowan described the fight as “brutal” and said Sykes had damaged his left hand, needed stitches in a cut and had two black eyes.
“He looked like he’d been wrestling a combine harvester but despite all that he won’t feel one ounce of pain,” said McGowan. “It wasn’t one of his better performances but I won’t be too hard on him!”
Sykes, who lives in Batley with his partner Natasha Blaine, will get “a few days off” before building up to his next fight.
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