Buckland vs. Sykes Headlines Sheffield Fight Card

ByBoxing Press

Hatton Promotions super-featherweight star Gary Buckland will challenge Gary Sykes for the British super-featherweight title at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge Centre on Saturday 24th September.

Besides the highly anticipated domestic title showdown the bill will feature some of the Steel City’s finest prospects and is certain to be a sell out.

Among the local fighters bidding to deliver knockout performances are Jez Wilson, Richard Towers, Scott Jenkins and Sheffield’s biggest ticket seller Adam Etches.

The show will be televised live by Sky Sports and Sykes v Buckland promises to be the one of the best domestic fights of 2011.

The pair met last year in a Prizefighter competition with Buckland knocking out Sykes in 45 seconds on his way to claiming the £32,000 winners’ cheque.

But Sykes promises to be a different proposition over 12 rounds and knows that if he defeats Cardiff’s Buckland he’ll win a Lonsdale belt for keeps.

Buckland, 25, who was a rare British winner in Mexico last month when he outpointed Jose Roberto Gonzalez, said: “Beating Sykes at Prizefighter was a great confidence booster.

“I am no fool though and realise how tough it is going to be over 12 rounds. He will be a lot cagier and I must perform better than ever to win.”

Hatton Promotions President Ricky Hatton said: “It is our first show in Sheffield for more than a year and I am delighted with the card so far.

“Buckland against Sykes will be thrilling and all the local fighters on the undercard fill me with such excitement.

“Richard Towers is one of the best heavyweight prospects about and there can’t be many youngsters who generate excitement like Adam Etches. He gets better every time he gets in the ring.

“Jez Wilson could fight Tom Doran on the bill and there will be a few more surprises in store over the next few weeks. It is the boxing show to be at in Sheffield this year and will not disappoint.”

Tickets are now available price £35, £55 and £75 VIP from 01925 755222. Be quick, this show will sell-out