Gary Sykes v Paul Truscott March 5th

[stujones]

oh, and i think it would be just a little previous, to parachute Buckland in on the basis of an early, caught-him-cold KO in the lottery-esque 3 round Prizefighter format. personally.

What about his brave effort against Murray - who is leagues above Sykes.

aye, true, he's got halfway decent form at lightweight, if by halfway decent form I mean managing to take a sustained beating- 'brave effort'- in a not-too-competitive fight.

i mean, do you give Barry Jones a shot at a british belt at 140 if he wins a Prizefighter at that weight?

A bit different there isn't it.... Barry Jones has lost time and time again in bave efforts at British level, and now most recently at Welsh title level!

Gary had beaten a former Commonwealth champion (very comfortably), and won title eliminators and was the mandatory challenger to Murray - and its his sole defeat.

He's since, albeit in 3 round format beaten 2 of the top SF contenders and KO'd the British champion.

Lee McAllister bounced back after a similar defeat to pick up some domestic honours - and he's done far less.

[Lenny]

I'll be honest with you Counter-puncher, I didn't catch Carl's fight the other week. I was going on some accounts on here that he didn't look too far removed from his form of a couple of years back.

Whilst he is crude, Sykes still has holes in his defense when coming forward throwing big combos. I don't think it's unreasonable to think Carl can catch Sykes who does love a battle. Sure I think there is a strong possibility for thinking Carl can't get out of 1st gear and is just pelted by Sykes who should be able to keep just out of range if he boxes well, but for me there is more intrigue in this fight than a Truscott fight. (I do rate Truscott, I just feel that Sykes is a very bad match up for him, a non stop, quick, tireless fighter who is going to get to him sooner rather than later)

And I understand your comment regarding Buckland's queue jumping off the back of Prizefighter - I disagree as it was deemed good enough for the British Champion to enter (which I didn't like), so we can't then be dismissive of it once he is KTFO.

[Counter-puncher]

stu- I'm just saying 'brave losing effort' wouldn't be the kind of criteria i look for if i was handing out title shots

on which subject i am not quite sure what Johansson's done to deserve it, either.

[Lenny]

stu- I'm just saying 'brave losing effort' wouldn't be the kind of criteria i look for if i was handing out title shots

on which subject i am not quite sure what Johansson's done to deserve it, either.

Domestic super featherweight contenders need to step up

[Counter-puncher]

Crolla - Sykes rematch was the one for me, so Crolla- Watson has thrown it all out IMO

[Lenny]

Crolla - Sykes rematch was the one for me, so Crolla- Watson has thrown it all out IMO

How nice it is to agree with you again. Hope Crolla looks good at lightweight as he was really starting to look the business down at superfeather

[Counter-puncher]

ha. i would guess Watson has a reasonable in-ring size advantage, and that he will impose that on Crolla to win- Crolla's Murrayesque, pretty upright style will mean he'll be there to hit- although i wonder that Crolla's defence may be a little tighter too, i have to favour Watson. nice matchup.

it'll be a good bodypunching fest, too, I reckon

[Adam1991]

The board should have nominated Buckland as the mandatory challenger after the KO win in Prizefighter.

Would be a travesty if Sykes is able to win a Lonsdale for keeps without facing Buckland first.

You all keep talking about gary buckland but he has never made championship weight at super feather..

[Wake up call]

The board should have nominated Buckland as the mandatory challenger after the KO win in Prizefighter.

Would be a travesty if Sykes is able to win a Lonsdale for keeps without facing Buckland first.

Surely as a Leeds Lad, you want the big West Yorkshire derby?

I've spoken to Gary this morning and he's just training for a March 5th. Carl's camp tell me it's a done deal though so I'm going to wait and see what happens over the next few days and will try and clarify in the Yorkshire Evening Post sometime this coming week.

[Bomber 1]

Not fair on Sykes this, remember he doesn't make his matches, did anyone stop to think he might have gone on PF for the money?? He hadn't fought in a long while and it's tough to earn when not fighting. Ok he lost in PF but I'll bet he would face Buckland!! Like I say he's not the matchmaker and to blame and slag him off is unfair IMHO.. I also rate Trussy!! I must say that, I think him and Sykes will make a massively entertaining scrap I really do, good luck to both lads.. Really genuine men too..

[Counter-puncher]

Not fair on Sykes this, remember he doesn't make his matches, did anyone stop to think he might have gone on PF for the money?? He hadn't fought in a long while and it's tough to earn when not fighting. Ok he lost in PF but I'll bet he would face Buckland!! Like I say he's not the matchmaker and to blame and slag him off is unfair IMHO.. I also rate Trussy!! I must say that, I think him and Sykes will make a massively entertaining scrap I really do, good luck to both lads.. Really genuine men too..

I'd reallyl ike to see Trussie in the mix, Tony; cracking skills and a nice lad

[THEBUTCH]

Johannson, Truscott, Buckland are all good defences for Sykes.

Sykes is great little performer and pushes himself to the limit, and I doubt he's ducking anyone.

Come back to this Post in 12 months time and see if Sykes has looked for all the easy options.

[Wake up call]

Gary said he's prepared for anyone on March 5th.

His team made the fight with Truscott on the basis that Carl was still mandatory and would fight later.

Carl wasn't aware of this deal being made and was fuming yesterday as, lets not forget, Truscott pulled out of an eliminator with him. From Carl's point of view, he was being pushed down the queue.

Not the fault of any of fighters concerned. Gary just wants to fight and Carl and Truscott just want a shot. Thing is that Carl is now the mandatory challenger and he wants his position enforced.

[Horse]

oh, and i think it would be just a little previous, to parachute Buckland in on the basis of an early, caught-him-cold KO in the lottery-esque 3 round Prizefighter format. personally.

You don't think Sykes should make a voluntary defence against Buckland? He deserves a shot more than Truscott or Kays at least.

[palooka]

Bit harsh !

He discredited the British title with his PrizeFighter loss and now he is fighting a feather fisted boxer who has just moved up in weight after two stoppage losses at domestic level. It is a cynical fight to make and I hope it backfires.

Gary Sykes has never done a thing to discredit either himself or the British Title he holds. He really seems a good lad; Gary will get his shot, no doubt.

Sykes has not said a bad word about any of his opponents and didn't excuse or write off his loss.

Paul is a top class domestic boxer and it will be a good bout.

I hope Gary gets his shot soon as he deserves it. I think it'll be a good bout between 2 good fighters.

[Dioufy]

I like Truscott, and I wish the lad well - I understand he helps kids stay on the right side of the law, so kudos to him. Sadly though, when you make Paul Malignaggi seem to like a murderous puncher and you see the red-mist all too often, you're always going to struggle against anyone abover English-level.

Great Stylist though.

[Yorkshiresuperstar]

Some ridiculous comments here against Gary Sykes.

1. 2009 22nd January, Gary 13-0 set to fight Carl Johanneson in an eliminator, Carl pulls out no reason given.
2. March 2010 Gary prepares for Ricky Burns, British title fight, Burns pulls out understandably opts for a world title fight instead.
3. March-May 2010 Gary beats Morris, O'Hara, a fight with Carl is mooted and Carl goes AWOL again.
4. Gary, unable to secure a title defence, goes in the toughest ever Prizefighter and risks it all.

Sure sounds like Sykes avoids a tough challenge doesn't it?

I feel for Carl that Truscott pulls out, and next Crolla, but nobody has said Carl doesn't get a shot. He is mandatory, the fight goes to purse bids and the Board will set a deadline and the fight will happen. Carl and Gary go way back, were under the same management and have a genuine respect for each other. But the truth is Carl can't suddenly decide he is serious about fighting again and expect everyone to drop their plans and all bow down to him. It's not as he keeps quoting in the YEP "his title" - whilst Carl was in hibernating seemingly not interested in the British title, tough kids like Sykes, Crolla and Morris were battling hard and proud for that belt. The title belongs to Gary Sykes.

Speak to Gary Sykes. He wants to fight Carl and has done for the last 2/3 years, he wants Buckland again too. Fighters with nothing to gain and everything to lose who enter brutal 3-round knockout tournaments don't duck fighters, and anyone who claims they do don't know professional fighters.

[tear up]

http://www.examiner.co.uk/sport-news/ot ... -28148568/

According to Sykes facebook Carl Johansson would not be ready. What do people think?

this fight defo on with truscott

[n1ebf]

Bit harsh !

He discredited the British title with his PrizeFighter loss and now he is fighting a feather fisted boxer who has just moved up in weight after two stoppage losses at domestic level. It is a cynical fight to make and I hope it backfires.

that's the second sackful of shite I've read from you today, and I thought you were always a quite solid poster in the past. :>

[Horse]

He discredited the British title with his PrizeFighter loss and now he is fighting a feather fisted boxer who has just moved up in weight after two stoppage losses at domestic level. It is a cynical fight to make and I hope it backfires.

that's the second sackful of shite I've read from you today, and I thought you were always a quite solid poster in the past. :>

What do you disagree with?

And what was the other thing I said?

[n1ebf]

He discredited the British title with his PrizeFighter loss and now he is fighting a feather fisted boxer who has just moved up in weight after two stoppage losses at domestic level. It is a cynical fight to make and I hope it backfires.

that's the second sackful of shite I've read from you today, and I thought you were always a quite solid poster in the past. :>

What do you disagree with?

And what was the other thing I said?

it was possibly something Fury's dad's "toughest thread on the forum" but I'd have to check.

where do I start...do you have particular allegiences to Truscott or Buckland or somebody that Sykes has beaten? Wishing his next fight would "backfire on him".....just for having the temerity to chance his arm at 32 grand for a night's work. Very harsh is that mate. He has every right to go for that Prize and as British champ it made good sense to do so. Going up against the like of Choi, Matthews, Buckland.....hell, virtually anybody that boxed that night, knowing he'd box 9 rounds max for a good chance at 32k and you have a go at the lad for "discrediting the British title" of all things. What does he get for defending that?? 10 grand? 15 grand on a good night?

[Yorkshiresuperstar]

Northeast,

agree 100% mate.

What has Sykes done wrong - oh the shame, having a voluntary defence, totally unheard of! Sykes hasn't ducked anyone, but regardless to hope he gets beaten just for the sake of it, when it's quite obvious he's a humble champion and good guy, takes some understanding? He faced the tough Crolla in an eliminator after Johanneson withdrew, stepped up to fight Burns, instead had a war with the very decent Morris, beat the tough O'Hara, entered the toughest ever PF and Horse is slagging him off?

Who is the real fighter - we have the 2 best P4P fighters in the world, the 2 best Heavies too, none of these fights can be made because these guys won't fight each other. People say boxing is dying, fighters don't want to fight and champions won't step up anymore or take risks...

We have a kid who is prepared to risk it all for 32 grand, and he is criticised?

If all fighters had Gary Sykes' attitude boxing would be in a much healthier state.

[Wake up call]

Speak to Gary Sykes. He wants to fight Carl and has done for the last 2/3 years, he wants Buckland again too. Fighters with nothing to gain and everything to lose who enter brutal 3-round knockout tournaments don't duck fighters, and anyone who claims they do don't know professional fighters.

I speak to both Carl and Gary regularly and both want it. Carl is mandatory though and doesn't want Truscott, a man who pulled out against him, jumping in front of him in the title queue.

Gary will fight anyone, he's a top lad and the British champion. This is the biggest fight in West Yorkshire for years.

Are you Mark Waters?

[Yorkshiresuperstar]

Depends which way you look at it Wake Up.

Anthony Crolla beat Brodie and knocked out Andy Morris in an eliminator, he earned his shot with some great wins, kept busy and has paid his dues. Carl all due respect, has been a fine champion, but has had 3-very low key fights in 3 years and he's placed alongside Crolla straight away in a final-eliminator? No wonder Joe Gallagher opted to move up to face Watson, easy decision to make. Crolla must have been sick when told he had to have yet another eliminator.

Why doesn't Carl prove he can do 9 4 first, step up his opposition and then fight Sykes? The board have mandated the fight, it will happen, surely another win for Sykes and Carl sets up the fight nicely for the Spring?

I didn't see people objecting to Carl fighting Femi, who was an untested novice whose record was a diet of journeymen and nothing else?

[Horse]

where do I start...do you have particular allegiences to Truscott or Buckland or somebody that Sykes has beaten?

No.

Wishing his next fight would "backfire on him".....just for having the temerity to chance his arm at 32 grand for a night's work. Very harsh is that mate.

I want him to lose for his team's choice of Truscott for his next opponent.

I don't see why it is harsh to want to see a boxer lose a fight, someone has got to lose. Why shouldn't I hope Truscott wins?

He has every right to go for that Prize and as British champ it made good sense to do so. Going up against the like of Choi, Matthews, Buckland.....hell, virtually anybody that boxed that night, knowing he'd box 9 rounds max for a good chance at 32k and you have a go at the lad for "discrediting the British title" of all things. What does he get for defending that?? 10 grand? 15 grand on a good night?

I don't blame him for entering PrizeFighter but, because he was knocked out by Buckland, he should have made the next defence of his title against him. Instead it looks like he is taking a weak voluntary against Truscott.

Until Sykes beats Buckland, he lacks credibility as champion.