Paul Sykes... where is he now?...

[silkov]

I've just recently finished rereading 'Sweet Agony' the quirky auto-biog of former British Heavyweight Paul Sykes.... it's one of the best 'boxing' related books I've read, covering the life story of Sykes who was a promising Heavyweight fighter who challenged John L Gardner for the British and Commonwealth title but then ended up doing long stretches in prison (where he wrote the book I believe). Sykes is a very interesting character, very eloquent and intelligent, but unable to control a feirce temper and also seemingly beset by a drink problem (the two often go hand in hand!) There was a good documentry on Sykes when he came out of Prison and had his book published but I've heard nothing about him since and am just wondering if anyone has any ideas what has happened to Sykes since the book was published.... at the time he said that he was working on a second book ('Sweet agony' covers his life up to his defeat by Gardner).... but it's never appeared....... whats happened to him?... 8)

[TheGoods]

Sadly Sykes is now a full down and out pisshead in Wakefield. Bloated red kipper, liver all fucked, the works. Last I heard he was banned from the town by Magistrates for pissing in a childrens play area while drunk. Such a pity. He could really hit and was a decent talent who, if the rumours are to be believed, was being courted by none other than Donk King for a time.

[bennie]

Sadly Sykes is now a full down and out pisshead in Wakefield. Bloated red kipper, liver all fucked, the works. Last I heard he was banned from the town by Magistrates for pissing in a childrens play area while drunk. Such a pity. He could really hit and was a decent talent who, if the rumours are to be believed, was being courted by none other than Donk King for a time.

Shame. Physically, he always looked after himself. He had the best build of any white heavyweight I'd ever seen. But he wasn't good enough to really make it as a fighter.

[KOJOE90]

I've just recently finished rereading 'Sweet Agony' the quirky auto-biog of former British Heavyweight Paul Sykes.... it's one of the best 'boxing' related books I've read, covering the life story of Sykes who was a promising Heavyweight fighter who challenged John L Gardner for the British and Commonwealth title but then ended up doing long stretches in prison (where he wrote the book I believe). Sykes is a very interesting character, very eloquent and intelligent, but unable to control a feirce temper and also seemingly beset by a drink problem (the two often go hand in hand!) There was a good documentry on Sykes when he came out of Prison and had his book published but I've heard nothing about him since and am just wondering if anyone has any ideas what has happened to Sykes since the book was published.... at the time he said that he was working on a second book ('Sweet agony' covers his life up to his defeat by Gardner).... but it's never appeared....... whats happened to him?... 8)

Sadly as TheGoods says Paul Sykes is homeless and still a very very heavy drinker with many anti-social tendencies. As his Boxing career ended there was talk (as there often is) of Sykes fighting on the unlicenced curcuit. There was serious talk of him taking the late Lenny McClean in a unlicenced bout, this may have been on a young Frank Warrens card. The story goes that a few days before the bout Sykes was out on the town drunk and whilst beating up a couple of bouncers got a bad cut above his eye, so the fight was called off. For what it's worth I think Sykes would have Ko'd McClean just like fellow ex-pro Cliff Fields did around that time.

I believe I've got a documentary on Sykes I think it's called "Sykes In Focus". The guy had spent about half his adult life banged up, but the guy did have some intelligence, I think he did a degree during one of his sentances.

But like Sykes says in this documentary "My body has been trained but never my mind"

You could see in this documentry at times when he was at home he had a very short and violent temper, he came across as very intimidating, yet almost child like at times, a strange guy with manyissues.

A Wakefield news article from August 2003


Ex-boxer's city centre ban


FORMER heavyweight boxer Paul Sykes has been banned from the centre of Wakefield for two years for abusing passers-by and using the city centre as his "own personal toilet".



Homeless Sykes, 57, who was this week made the subject of the city's first anti-social behaviour order, breached it hours later when he was found drinking outside flats at the bottom of Kirkgate.
City centre liaison officer PC Paul McMahon escorted Sykes outside the city limits where he has been ordered to stay for the duration of the order.
Wakefield Council prosecutor, Bernadette Feather, told the civil hearing of 25 allegations of anti-social behaviour between February 10 and July 3 this year on Northgate, Kirkgate, in the Cathedral precinct and shopping areas and in the bus station.
Sykes, who frequently urinated in the bus station's Bob the Builder children's ride, told magistrates: "I don't remember but I'll plead guilty."
The catalogue of incidents included Sykes grabbing a young mother and her child in the street and swearing at them both. In a statement read out in court, the frightened woman said: "He was just laughing but I felt extremely sick and I started to cry."
The 6ft 3ins former professional boxer also shouted at and threatened to kill another child because she was crying in the street.
Spy camera evidence of Sykes urinating on the city centre streets was shown in court along with footage of him rolling around drunk near the Cathedral steps.
John Batty, defending, said: "Mr Sykes is obviously a well-known Wakefield man. He was born in Wakefield and has lived in Wakefield all his life. He knows Wakefield. To impose a prohibition on him coming into the city centre is contrary to the Human Rights Convention."
Mrs Feather told magistrates: "We all know he is a Wakefield man but it does not mean he has carte blanche to come and sit in the precinct and abuse people. The fact that he is of no fixed abode does not mean he should be able to sit in Wakefield precinct for the rest of his life."
In imposing the order, chairman of the bench Lynn Hewison said: "Mr Sykes may be from Wakefield but that does not allow him to intimidate others who come from this locality. Using areas of the city as his own personal toilet could also be a health hazard."

I've heard many unpleasant stories about Paul Sykes over the years, true or not I'm not sure.

[bennie]

"I don't remember but I'll plead guilty." Classic.
Anyone got a current photo of him?

[KOJOE90]

Sorry no pictures but the guys obviously in a mess these days.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/allnews/co ... _page.html

[bennie]

Remember his fight well with John L. Gardner in 1979. Sykes had the perfect boxer's physique: wide shoulders, slim waist, long arms - defined but not too muscled. He could fight, too. Had a good jab and could bang with the right.
Gardner, in contrast, never looked fit and couldn't break an egg. What he did have was stamina and durability.
Predictably, Sykes clobbered the slow-starting Gardner for a couple of rounds, then just ran out of steam and was worn down and stopped. Still, the wakefield man behaved himself at least, In a previous fight where he failed to knock a man out early (against Neil Malpass), he responded by knocking Malpass out with a headbutt and was disqualified.
Sykes was a nutter, but could be charming. The TV companies took an interest in him and when Jim Rosenthal asked him what he wanted to do with his career after his pro debut, Sykes said: "Sleep with as many women as Joe Bugner."
This was not long after revelations in the Sunday newspapers from Joe's ex-wife Melanie that Bugner slept with anything in a skirt (and reportedly slept with five women just after the Ali 15-rounder in Kuala Lumpur)
I also remember that TV-documentary on Sykes. He came across as a deeply-disturbed man.

[KOJOE90]

I've only ever seen clips of the Gardner - Sykes fight, I'll hopefully get a full copy one day. I think Sykes claimed that the reason he turned away from Gardner was to give the referee a mouth full for constantly shouting at him, and not that he had ran out od gas.

Didn't one of Sykes oppenents lapse into a coma after one of his fight? Not sure if he survived, was it this guy?

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=022473

[bennie]

I think it was a guy who chinned him, who died after a later fight. Ngozika Ekwelum

[knockout artist]

I think it was a guy who chinned him, who died after a later fight. Ngozika Ekwelum

How Sykes has turned out reminds me a bit of a once talented early 1980's lightweight, Graham Brett, who was managed by allegedly.

Brett's pro record isnt impressive, but he never ever trained. He could have won at least a British Title. He was a tremendous amatuer, winning 95 of 104 fights. He trained on fags and beer, was always knocking people out in pubs, but never put on weight. He was 6'1, made 135 easily, had very fast hands and hit like a mule.

I used to spar with him when he turned pro, I was only 15, he had the reflexes of a cat. IMO he was and is a gentleman.

About six or seven years ago he was found not guilty of running a protection racket in Pimlico, SW London. The CPS spent over £1m, trying to put him away. Allegedly he is banned from every pub in central London.

He's not a degenerate like Sykes is now. Indeed ply's his trade as an electrician, but he is always drinking and still Knocking out blokes in pubs.
He still has really fast hands and can bang at the age of 42. He still weighs less than 10 stone.

I'd imagine allegedly would remember him well. Brett's life would make a GREAT book.

[bennie]

I think it was a guy who chinned him, who died after a later fight. Ngozika Ekwelum

How Sykes has turned out reminds me a bit of a once talented early 1980's lightweight, Graham Brett, who was managed by allegedly.

Brett's pro record isnt impressive, but he never ever trained. He could have won at least a British Title. He was a tremendous amatuer, winning 95 of 104 fights. He trained on fags and beer, was always knocking people out in pubs, but never put on weight. He was 6'1, made 135 easily, had very fast hands and hit like a mule.

I used to spar with him when he turned pro, I was only 15, he had the reflexes of a cat. IMO he was and is a gentleman.

About six or seven years ago he was found not guilty of running a protection racket in Pimlico, SW London. The CPS spent over £1m, trying to put him away. Allegedly he is banned from every pub in central London.

He's not a degenerate like Sykes is now. Indeed ply's his trade as an electrician, but he is always drinking and still Knocking out blokes in pubs.
He still has really fast hands and can bang at the age of 42. He still weighs less than 10 stone.

I'd imagine allegedly would remember him well. Brett's life would make a GREAT book.

I seem to remember Graham Brett as someone who nearly took Charlie Coke's head off on one of allegedly's early Bloomsbury shows. What a waste of talent. Another George Best by the sound of it.

[knockout artist]

I think it was a guy who chinned him, who died after a later fight. Ngozika Ekwelum

How Sykes has turned out reminds me a bit of a once talented early 1980's lightweight, Graham Brett, who was managed by allegedly.

Brett's pro record isnt impressive, but he never ever trained. He could have won at least a British Title. He was a tremendous amatuer, winning 95 of 104 fights. He trained on fags and beer, was always knocking people out in pubs, but never put on weight. He was 6'1, made 135 easily, had very fast hands and hit like a mule.

I used to spar with him when he turned pro, I was only 15, he had the reflexes of a cat. IMO he was and is a gentleman.

About six or seven years ago he was found not guilty of running a protection racket in Pimlico, SW London. The CPS spent over £1m, trying to put him away. Allegedly he is banned from every pub in central London.

He's not a degenerate like Sykes is now. Indeed ply's his trade as an electrician, but he is always drinking and still Knocking out blokes in pubs.
He still has really fast hands and can bang at the age of 42. He still weighs less than 10 stone.

I'd imagine allegedly would remember him well. Brett's life would make a GREAT book.

I seem to remember Graham Brett as someone who nearly took Charlie Coke's head off on one of allegedly's early Bloomsbury shows. What a waste of talent. Another George Best by the sound of it.

Christ, Bennie, youve got a great memory. I think your nickname should be Leslie Welsh.

Graham exuded class. I'm thinking of writing a book on him. Having never written a book before does anyone have any tips, time involved etc.

I have a willing subject who would be 100% cooperative.

[KOJOE90]

Graham exuded class. I'm thinking of writing a book on him. Having never written a book before does anyone have any tips, time involved etc.

I have a willing subject who would be 100% cooperative.

I think you should give it a go mate.

[bennie]

How Sykes has turned out reminds me a bit of a once talented early 1980's lightweight, Graham Brett, who was managed by allegedly.

Brett's pro record isnt impressive, but he never ever trained. He could have won at least a British Title. He was a tremendous amatuer, winning 95 of 104 fights. He trained on fags and beer, was always knocking people out in pubs, but never put on weight. He was 6'1, made 135 easily, had very fast hands and hit like a mule.

I used to spar with him when he turned pro, I was only 15, he had the reflexes of a cat. IMO he was and is a gentleman.

About six or seven years ago he was found not guilty of running a protection racket in Pimlico, SW London. The CPS spent over £1m, trying to put him away. Allegedly he is banned from every pub in central London.

He's not a degenerate like Sykes is now. Indeed ply's his trade as an electrician, but he is always drinking and still Knocking out blokes in pubs.
He still has really fast hands and can bang at the age of 42. He still weighs less than 10 stone.

I'd imagine allegedly would remember him well. Brett's life would make a GREAT book.

I seem to remember Graham Brett as someone who nearly took Charlie Coke's head off on one of allegedly's early Bloomsbury shows. What a waste of talent. Another George Best by the sound of it.

Christ, Bennie, youve got a great memory. I think your nickname should be Leslie Welsh.

Graham exuded class. I'm thinking of writing a book on him. Having never written a book before does anyone have any tips, time involved etc.

I have a willing subject who would be 100% cooperative.

A mate of mine, Richard Lakin (Wolverhampton Express & Star journalist), is hoping to write a book on a fighter turning pro. He's going to focus on the build-up to the fighter's debut, the sacrifice, the dreams, etc - then follow his career through the book. So it's a massive task. I'll ask him how long he expects it to take, etc.

[knockout artist]

Cheers

[KOJOE90]

I think it was a guy who chinned him, who died after a later fight. Ngozika Ekwelum

I'm not so sure mate, I'll get my Sykes Documentary tape out and have a look as I'm sure its metioned on there and Sykes is interviewed about it.

[bennie]

I think it was a guy who chinned him, who died after a later fight. Ngozika Ekwelum

I'm not so sure mate, I'll get my Sykes Documentary tape out and have a look as I'm sure its metioned on there and Sykes is interviewed about it.

Yeah, to be honest I'm not 100 per cent sure.

[KOJOE90]

I think it was a guy who chinned him, who died after a later fight. Ngozika Ekwelum

I'm not so sure mate, I'll get my Sykes Documentary tape out and have a look as I'm sure its metioned on there and Sykes is interviewed about it.

Yeah, to be honest I'm not 100 per cent sure.

I've just watched the tape mate, it was Dave 'Doc' Wilson.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=000267

He spent a month in hospital, I don't know what sort of recovery he made. Watching the documentry I noticed that every interview they did with Sykes outside prison he was drunk.

The documentary was called "Sykes at Large". I think it was filmed in the lat 1980's.

[silkov]

A real shame to hear this about Sykes, though to be honest can't say that I'm surprised... I remember that Documantry 'Paul Sykes at large' and as soon as he left prison he started drinking again, so the signs were not good. But watching it and reading the book 'Sweet Agony' I couldn't help liking him, he actually came across as ver intelligent and funny, with a certain charm but also deeply disturbed. I always think that when someone has such a seriousl drink problem there is something making the person drink that is the real issue. You'd think in this day and age people troubled by substance and alcohol abuse would be given more help other than constant cout fines and bans from towns.
Perversely going to jail may do Sykes some good, stop him drinking and save his life!.

[JimStone]

Sykes, who frequently urinated in the bus station's Bob the Builder children's ride

Alcoholic tramps crack me up.

[Coconut]

Bizarrely, I was elsewhere yesterday and one of the guys produced an (acknowledged) rumour that Sykes had been killed. Bit of a coincidence, and presumably this would have poppedup on this thread of true, but just thought I'd throw that one out

[Supermiddle]

I think it was a guy who chinned him, who died after a later fight. Ngozika Ekwelum

How Sykes has turned out reminds me a bit of a once talented early 1980's lightweight, Graham Brett, who was managed by allegedly.

Brett's pro record isnt impressive, but he never ever trained. He could have won at least a British Title. He was a tremendous amatuer, winning 95 of 104 fights. He trained on fags and beer, was always knocking people out in pubs, but never put on weight. He was 6'1, made 135 easily, had very fast hands and hit like a mule.

I used to spar with him when he turned pro, I was only 15, he had the reflexes of a cat. IMO he was and is a gentleman.

About six or seven years ago he was found not guilty of running a protection racket in Pimlico, SW London. The CPS spent over £1m, trying to put him away. Allegedly he is banned from every pub in central London.

He's not a degenerate like Sykes is now. Indeed ply's his trade as an electrician, but he is always drinking and still Knocking out blokes in pubs.
He still has really fast hands and can bang at the age of 42. He still weighs less than 10 stone.

I'd imagine allegedly would remember him well. Brett's life would make a GREAT book.

I knew Graham growing up around Pimlico. On occasion he'd train with us at Westminster boxing club at the time. Actually a nice guy down the gym when he wasn't loaded on booze and drugs. He was notorious for causing trouble in pubs around the area barred from near enough every one. He was an opportunist.. Soon ashe heard a pub came under new management he'd rock up there play nice for a few weeks then his true colours would shine through. He never discriminated against who he'd start trouble with, wether or not it might mean intimidating a female bar staff by throwing an ice bucket at her for example. His ego was out of control.. Nobody really liked him they just tolerated him as they knew how volatile he was when loaded on booze and drugs. I think he had the potential to be a nice guy actually.. But his ego overwhelmed that. As for a book? He was hardly rise of the foot soldier material. Not exactly an Al Capone in Pimlico. More a general nuisance thug that people tried to steer clear of, not of importance for a best selling novel for sure. He did start a boxing club up in Churchill gardens which was starting to gain success.. Helped a few young lads out but then the booze took over again. He was convicted in 2012 for manslaughter after knocking a guy out outside the greyhound pub in pimlico... The guy he targeted was a harmless Teddy bear. This was usually his style. He cracked him the poor guy went down and died of injuries from cracking his head on the pavement 5 days later. He showed no remorse for it during sentencing.. Instead almost pride in being the bully he was. Like I say would I spend time and effort writing a book about him? It's hardly going to sell up there with the likes of the Essex boys etc.. He was a one man band out of control who never really had the intelligence to make it in the criminal hall of fame. People never liked him but his ego got a kick out of people fearing him.. A highly insecure individual with alcohol and drug addiction. Imagine what his life could have been like had his insecurities, ego and addiction problems not have been prsent? He was a talented young ametuer boxer who never took his professional career seriously for sure.. He could have gone places I'd say. But he didn't.. He chose instead to follow a path of intimidating people he saw lesser than himself in the hardstakes outside the ring which landed him in jail time after time after time. His ego was far more important to him than getting on in life. He'll be nearly 60 now.. Time for him to start living a quiet life before he ends up in a pub and meets a 25 year old with the same ego and mentality as himself who takes exception to him.. Some might call that Karma?

[MasterG]

Jamie Boyle who wrote the second book about Sykes was saying a while ago that there was a movie getting made. I've not heard or seen let of Boyle in a long time so don't know the progress.

[jonp]

I think it was a guy who chinned him, who died after a later fight. Ngozika Ekwelum

How Sykes has turned out reminds me a bit of a once talented early 1980's lightweight, Graham Brett, who was managed by allegedly.

Brett's pro record isnt impressive, but he never ever trained. He could have won at least a British Title. He was a tremendous amatuer, winning 95 of 104 fights. He trained on fags and beer, was always knocking people out in pubs, but never put on weight. He was 6'1, made 135 easily, had very fast hands and hit like a mule.

I used to spar with him when he turned pro, I was only 15, he had the reflexes of a cat. IMO he was and is a gentleman.

About six or seven years ago he was found not guilty of running a protection racket in Pimlico, SW London. The CPS spent over £1m, trying to put him away. Allegedly he is banned from every pub in central London.

He's not a degenerate like Sykes is now. Indeed ply's his trade as an electrician, but he is always drinking and still Knocking out blokes in pubs.
He still has really fast hands and can bang at the age of 42. He still weighs less than 10 stone.

I'd imagine allegedly would remember him well. Brett's life would make a GREAT book.

https://courtnewsuk.co.uk/brett-ex-boxe ... h-killing/ you was right about him chinning people in pubs

[Coco]

I don't reckon ruling with a reign of fear in Pimlico is a huge achievement.

Saying that the fella used to post on hear, and seemed reasonable enough