Kays sounds battle cry

JON KAYS . . . raring to go.

OLDHAM favourite Jon Kays can’t wait to rock the town’s Sports Centre again tomorrow night when he tops the bill in taking on tough Wiltshire opponent Liam Richards in an exciting eight-round super-featherweight contest.

Ashton-based Kays (31) is looking to get back into the big-time mix following a controversial British title loss to Gary Sykes last summer. The former amateur star – whose professional record reads 19 wins and one draw in 24 fights – has fought since the Sykes disappointment, a routine points win against Ibrar Riaz over six rounds at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse in October.

After six months of relative inactivity, ‘2 Smokes’ can scarcely wait for tomorrow’s night’s battle.

“Training has been fantastic with Darren McCarrick, it’s been spot-on,” said Kays. “I’m just winding down now, trying to keep the weight down, and I’ll be ready and firing for tomorrow.

“It’s been a frustrating few months because one or two niggling little injuries have interrupted my training, but I’m 100 per cent ready. I’m at the peak of my career now and I need to be getting back up the rankings again.

“There’s no title on the line tomorrow, but I will have to be on my guard. I’m ready for the challenge and Oldham is always a great place to fight.”

A packed VIP Promotions card is scheduled to feature nine bouts, with former WBA world super-bantamweight title challenger Tshifhiwa Munyai getting things under way at around 6.35pm.

Oldham’s interest comes in the form of Ronnie Heffron and Ashley Mayall.

Former ABA champion Heffron (24) returns to the ring for the first time since last summer when he lost a British light-middleweight title eliminator to Liam Williams at the Manchester Arena, the second defeat in a 17-fight career.

Welterweight hopeful Mayall has had a mixed career in the paid ranks. His record of four wins and four defeats reflects that.

He returns to professional action 13 months after being stopped by AJ Faizy in the first round of a bout at the same venue.

Tickets, priced £30 (general) and £60 (ringside) are available on the door, from 6.30pm.