GARY SYKES says he’ll be back for another crack at winning a Lonsdale Belt outright.

The Dewsbury fighter was dethroned as British super-featherweight champion by Gary Buckland in a 12-round thriller in Sheffield on Saturday night.

Sykes was unanimously out-pointed against the Welshman on a night when he knew victory and a third successful defence would land him the famous boxing trophy for life.

"I’m heartbroken right now," said Sykes, "but I will be back and I’ll win it another two times to keep it for life."

On the possibility of a re-match, Sykes added: "I’m coming back so, if Gary has still got the belt, then I want it.

"I’m glad we put on a show and 12 good rounds. I thought it was very, very close, but I’m just disappointed for my team because they put a lot of hard work into me."

Buckland, whose career record moves to 24 wins and two defeats, confirmed he would fight Sykes again. The Welshman dealt Sykes the first loss of his career with a first-round knockout on his way to becoming Prizefighter champion last year, and he once again had the Dewsbury fighter in trouble under early fire.

Sykes (19-2) showed greater resilience this time around, although an impressive rally in the middle rounds could not prevent him from dropping a 116-113, 115-113 and 115-114 verdict on the judges’ scorecards.

As expected Buckland flew out of the blocks, landing hooks with both hands and staggering the champion with an overhand right in a dominant opening round.

Sykes strained to get into a rhythm, but Buckland’s more concussive work was still finding a way through.