GARY SYKES will defend his British super-featherweight title against Middlesbrough’s Paul Truscott in Huddersfield next month.

It’s an exciting addition to the Saturday, March 5 bill at the Sports Centre which already included Tyrone Nurse and a string of other Huddersfield fighters.

It’s become a Matchroom promotion and will be screened live on Sky – but ticket prices remain at the original £30 and £50.

In a boost for fans, extra bouts will be added to a bill which will feature the popular locals Burt Warren, Jason McCalmon, Jason Thompson and Michael Smith.

Sykes versus Truscott is a mouth-watering prospect in itself as the Dewsbury man aims to bounce back from his Prizefighter loss. The 26-year-old was stopped by Gary Buckland in the semi-final of the three-round tournament – his first professional defeat.

Now he’s aiming to underline his claim to being Britain’s best in the 9st 4lb division, and land an all-Yorkshire title showdown against Leeds’ Carl Johanesson.

Sykes, who won the title against Manchester’s Andy Morris in Huddersfield last March then returned to defend it against Irishman Kevin O’Hara in May, has 17 wins in all.

Former Commonwealth featherweight champion Truscott, 24, has 16 wins in 18 fights, both defeats coming against British featherweight champion John Simpson.

“Simpson’s an excellent fighter, but Truscott pushed him hard, and each time was hampered by cuts,” said Sykes’ fight manager Chris Aston. “He’ll come and give it a good go, and Gary will have to be switched on to avoid problems, but we believe he’ll be that bit too strong for Truscott.

“It’s the ideal test for Gary after Prizefighter, and the style of the pair of them means it’s an attractive-looking fight for Sky.”

British Masters light-welterweight champion Nurse, currently sparring with WBO super-featherweight champion Ricky Burns in Scotland, takes on Welshman Damian Owen.

Tickets, ring Aston on 07919 88114 or Nurse on 07792 543352.