Kays back in the ring

BOXING: 

BRITISH title contender Jon ‘2 Smokes’ Kays has hailed trainer Darren McCarrick for keeping alive his boxing dream.

Ashton-based Kays (31) is heading back to the ring on October 18 after controversially losing his British super-featherweight title clash in a 10th-round stoppage against Gary Sykes in May.

Some punters felt Oldham favourite Kays might quit following that fourth defeat of a colourful 23-fight professional career, but the boxer is re-energised and raring to go - largely thanks to McCarrick’s guidance.

Kays said: “I first linked up with Darren two years ago, and at that point I felt really down.

“I’d just left Bobby Rimmer’s gym and people were saying I was rubbish, I was finished, and I’d never win anything.

“Darren has totally turned my life around, though. He’s given me his time and his attention and he’s improved me not just as a fighter, but as a human being.

“I’ve still got another two years fighting in me, and I want to be back in that British title mix by the end of this year. I’ve proved I belong there. I’ve just got to give it my best shot again.”

Kays will return to the ring next month at the Victoria Warehouse venue in Trafford Park, close to Old Trafford football stadium.