GARY SYKES yesterday received the devastating news that his WBO world-title bout had been cancelled.
The 28-year-old was due to leave for Las Vegas next Saturday but all that changed after Lamont Peterson, who's rematch with Sykes’ fellow compatriot Amir Khan was to act as May 19’s main event, tested positive for a banned steroid.
The fight was called off and that subsequently led to the cancellation of the entire show, meaning Sykes’ fight with Adrien Broner was no more.
However, as The Press went to print, Bolton-based Khan announced he was searching for a new opponent to face him, in Nevada, on June 30.
Such developments have given Sykes and his team fresh hope of a shot at glory on boxing’s grandest stage of all.
In a press release, issued on Thursday morning on behalf of Sykes’ team, trainer Julian McGowan thanked fans for their support and claimed both he and his Dewsbury-born fighter are now looking forward, not back.
It read: “Gary Sykes has shown me (McGowan) that, in the last few weeks, he still has the skills, determination and love for boxing.”
“My wife Jane has stood by me, cooked and cleaned for Gary and made him feel what he is – part of our family.”
While speaking of the tremendous support Sykes has gained over the past month, McGowan added: “If Lamont Peterson tests your faith in people, these amazing people completely restore it.”
McGowan later revealed Sykes is planning to work towards reclaiming the British title.
Nevertheless, in little over a month’s time, Sykes could be preparing to the leave the UK once more – for the biggest fight of his life.