Buckland Defeats Sykes Again, Wins British Title In Sheffield

Gary Buckland has become Hatton Promotions latest champion taking the British super-featherweight title from Gary Sykes in an epic battle.

The sold-out event at Ponds Forge Arena, Sheffield, on Saturday night were treated to a thriller with Cardiff’s Buckland winning a close decision. All three judges awarded Buckland the verdict, scoring 116-113, 115-114 and 115-113 and there were few complaints.

Buckland had beaten the Dewsbury man in 45 seconds in a Prizefighter tournament last year, but predicted he would need something special to beat the defending champion over the 12 round championship distance.

Gary, 25, was even more motivated after his pal Lee Selby won the British featherweight title last week.

After his 24th win in 26 professional bouts – Buckland said: “I’m happy. I’ve got this Lonsdale belt and it’s just like winning a world title. I want to move on and go for the European title, then hopefully we can clean things up.

It was a totally different fight to Prizefighter. I had some good success early on, but Gary Sykes, fair play to him, he’s as fit as a fiddle. But I just think I had his number.”

In the chief support – former European super-bantamweight champion and world title challenger Rendall Munroe, outpointed Japan’s Rhuta Miyagi (98-92) in a non-title ten rounder.

Munroe is mandatory contender for the European crown held by Kiko Martinez, but promoter Ricky Hatton is eyeing a world title eliminator.

Other Results: Richard Towers bt Yuri Bihoutseu TKO 3, Adam Etches bt Yauheni Abdurazakau Pts, Jez Wilson bt Jay Morris TKO1, Justyn Hugh drew Carl Wild, Scott Jenkins bt Steve Gethin Rtd 2, Tommy Stubbs bt Anwar Alfadli, Pts.