Sykes unfazed by shot against Olympic champion

Gary Sykes admits he is unfazed about the prospect of coming up against Olympic gold medal winner Luke Campbell and believes his team can put together a game plan capable of securing victory.
Hulls Luke Campbell will face Gary Sykes. Picture: Lawrence LustigHulls Luke Campbell will face Gary Sykes. Picture: Lawrence Lustig
Hulls Luke Campbell will face Gary Sykes. Picture: Lawrence Lustig

Sykes has already begun preparations for the big fight, under the guidance of Mark Hurley and Sean O’Hagen, the trainer and dad of Leeds star Josh Warrington.

Sykes said: “Sean and Mark have said they see no reason why I can’t win if I am fully focused. There is no fear and I am confident.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We have already been going down to Doncaster, sparring with Maxi Hughes, who has just won a British title eliminator at super featherweight, and Isaac Lowe.

“I have had a long time out, with only one fight in over 12 months, and it is only thanks to my sponsors, Henley Stone, that I have managed to stay in boxing.”

Sykes suffered defeat to Cromer’s Liam Walsh in his British and Commonwealth title fight in London back in November 2014 before deciding to step up to lightweight.

His only fight last year saw him comfortably overcome journeyman Ibrar Riyaz in a six round bout in Liverpool but Sykes admits he is ready for a return to the big time and is determined to show he is still a force when he meets Campbell on March 26.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sykes will train alongside Warrington, who defends his WBC International Featherweight title against Japan’s Hisashi Amagasa at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on April 16.

Warrington makes the second defence of his crown following victory over Joel Brunker in September,

Related topics: