Champion offers heartfelt words to Dewsbury's Sykes

Luke Campbell receives the Commonwealth belt as trainer Sean OHagen offers consoling words to Gary Sykes in the background. Picture: Lawrence Lustig

New Commonwealth champion Luke Campbell offered some heartfelt words to Gary Sykes following last Saturday's bout in Sheffield.

Speaking straight after the fight, Campbell said: “I put 100 per-cent into this fight and I was 100 per-cent focused.

“I put so much in because I respect Gary Sykes. He is such a warrior. He gives value for money, so I needed to be at my best.

“Gary Sykes has a lot of experience and is a great fighter but I managed to stop him before he got going.

“I am very proud to have the Commonwealth belt on my shoulder and i beat a very good fighter to do it.

“No one does that to Gary Sykes. He is a tough fighter but I have done it.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn was impressed with the way Campbell returnred following his defeat to Yvan Mendy in December and added: “Luke is an unbelievable fighter and I believe is one of the best lightweights in the world.”