Another tough away date for tough Byles

Mikey Byles…middleweight never in a dull fight

ANOTHER tough away fixture awaits Warwick hardman Mikey Byles.

At the Galleries, Bristol, on June 15 Byles faces Southern Area middleweight champ Aaron Sutton in his home city. Sutton has lost only one of 17 – and that was via split decision to Gerome Warburton who is soon to fight for the Commonwealth silver belt.

After returning to the ring following a seven year break, 37-year-old Byles has faced three unbeaten lads. All three bouts were wildly entertaining affairs: Mikey’s prepared to take one to land one.

I was at ringside for two of the clashes, both staged at Cannock’s Premier Suite, and they were certainly value for money.

The battle with Midlands super-middle champ Liam O’Hare stands out in, particular. The Hereford hope hit Mikey clean, hard and often. Mikey took it all and waded back.

He appears hewn from the same rock used to build Warwick Castle.

New coach Chris Sanigar, who had his fair share of wars as a 1980s contender, has pledged to work on Byles’ defence.

He may have his work cut out. Mikey, who possess a heart as big as a bucket, loves a scrap.

In a recent interview Byles, who has won eight of 17, told me: “I’ve never been out of the gym. I’m getting on a bit. I always wanted a British title – that was my vision – and I still want to fight good, quality lads.

“I’m tough as old boots, strong, aggressive, durable and my boxing IQ has improved. I came into the sport to win titles and if I didn’t still have that belief I wouldn’t get up in the mornings.”

Byles’ career has been curious. He had just five amateur bouts for Warwick Racing Club before turning pro in 2013.

He peeled off 14 fights, losing six, and appeared to have retired after a 2017 loss to RP Davies. The record shows a competent, solid pro found wanting when stepping up a level.

He moved to Wales, started a fitness business and seemed lost to the sport. But Byles was again bitten by fight fever after attending St Joseph’s gym, in Cardiff. He made an unlikely return in March, losing on points to Kyran Jones.

“I’ve never been out of the gym,” he said. “I’m getting on a bit. I always wanted a British title – that was my vision – and I still want to fight good, quality lads.”

He’s certainly doing that. Aaron Sutton shouldn’t take anything for granted.