Kays vows to bounce back after Sykes loss

DEFEAT . . . Jon Kays.

JON ‘2 Smokes’ Kays has assured his fans that he will bounce back from Saturday’s stunning 10th-round defeat in his British super-featherweight title clash against Gary Sykes.

Kays – who fought in Sykes’ back yard at the Dewsbury Leisure Centre – was looking good in the early rounds, and floored his opponent in the second.

But his first-ever British title tilt ended in controversy after 58 seconds of the 10th round when homester Sykes caught Kays with a superb jab to the jaw and the Ashton-under-Lyne battler was temporarily rocked back on his heels.

Before giving Kays - 31 on fight day - much of a chance to rally and respond, referee Michael Alexander stepped in to stop what had been a thrilling Roses battle, much to the frustration of the Kays corner team.

Up to 100 Kays supporters also screamed their disapproval at the decision, but later an emotional Kays vowed to come back stronger.

Kays said: “No way was I beaten there. I was still standing and I knew what was going on. He did hurt me, but the referee stepped in far too soon.”

“I’ll be back. I’ve shown that I belong at British title level and I’m determined to come back stronger from this.”