Morris to challenge Sykes

Andy Morris will take on Gary Sykes for the vacant British super featherweight title in Huddersfield on Friday.

Manchester fighter handed British title shot

Andy Morris will take on Gary Sykes for the vacant British super featherweight title in Huddersfield on Friday. The former British featherweight champion has taken the fight at short notice following the withdrawal of Ricky Burns through injury. Sykes enters the ring with an unbeaten record of 14-0 but Morris believes he has the edge in experience that will be crucial on the night. "I've been in there before, I've been a champion and I know what you need to become a champion," he said. "He's not been in with anyone, but you can't go in being complacent. "I've seen Sykes fight, he's got fast hands, tricky feet, but he makes a lot of mistakes. There are a lot of gaps that I'm going to take advantage of." Morris had been in training for a fight on last week's bill in Stoke and is not concerned about going the 12 championship rounds. "I always train for 12 rounds and beyond, whether it's a four-round, eight-round or 12-round fight. I always train hard. "I'd like to thank Hatton Promotions for getting me the title shot so quickly. They said I would have two 'keep busy' fights and then a title shot and they've stuck to their word."