Exclusive: Lewis Sylvester Keen to Bring "Big Time Boxing" Back to Hull

“Big time boxing” could be heading back to Hull in the not-so-distant future, after the man spearheading its latest wave of talent outlined plans to put his home city back on the fighting map.

After turbo-charging his own career by securing a hard-fought but deserved victory over Reece Mould earlier this month, Lewis Sylvester wants to ensure other fighters from East Yorkshire share in his success by headlining a show at one of the region’s iconic venues.

As Sylvester’s own route to the IBO Continental lightweight title demonstrates - the vacant belt which was on the line during his contest against Mould - competitors from Hull usually have to travel in search of life-changing opportunities.

But the 27-year-old is determined to change all of that after impressing on last weekend’s card at the Eco Power Stadium, home of Doncaster Rovers Football Club, in front of a live broadcast team from global streaming survive DAZN.

Speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com, Sylvester revealed: “I want to bring big time boxing back to Hull. That’s something really important for me."

“We’ve got a lot of good fighters coming through now and it would be brilliant if we could all get on the same night in Hull. What an event that would be."

“Hull is a city where the people really get behind you. They turn out for you and they’re really loyal supporters."

“So it would be a reward for them too, because they’re usually having to put in the miles to come and watch us. It would be nice for them to watch us in Hull.”

SHOWCASE BOUT

The ‘Rumble in the Humber’, between Luke Campbell and Tommy Coyle a decade ago, was arguably the last major boxing show staged in Hull.

“It means everything to me, Hull,” continued Sylvester. “I’m a west Hull lad and I’m proud to be from here."

“Sponsors can come and go, but I’ve been lucky to have some that have stayed with me all the way through and I can’t thank them enough for that. The same goes for the people who come and back me, because they’ve had some really long journeys in the past."

“So, with a few good kids coming through from here now, why shouldn’t we be able to get some really big shows on in Hull?"

“One of the things about this place is that we really get behind our own. So if we can do that, I know it would be an incredible atmosphere.”

Sylvester showcased both his skills and his bravery against Mould who, like him, is a former English champion in the 135lbs division. 

Showcasing excellent shot selection and deft footwork, he gradually wore down the pre-bout favourite despite suffering a suspected broken hand during the early rounds of a contest which eventually went the full 10 rounds.

PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF

The win was also a reward for the persistence Sylvester has shown since turning professional six years ago. 

A crushing defeat to Sam Noakes, a notoriously heavy fisted puncher from Kent, last year appeared to have stalled his progress. 

But, by adding Mould’s name to his list of victims in such convincing fashion, Sylvester has now thrust himself back into the spotlight. 

Speaking beforehand, he expressed hopes that a win would see him earn a promotion deal with Izzy Asif’s GBM and another appearance on DAZN.

“I’ve come through the hard way,” Sylvester said. 

“I did small hall shows and most of those fights actually cost me money, when everything was added up."

“I want to make the most of this now and build on it. Doing it the way I have - never walking away from a challenge - has actually done me good because I’ve got the right attitude and I’m determined to take opportunities."

“I think people respect that. Well at least I hope they do. I want to keep moving forward now and make the most of the opportunity I’ve given myself because, trust me, Reece is a tough lad.”