Byles: I’ll look back on 2024 with pride

Mikey Byles…faced the best in Wales and the Midlands

THAT’S a satisfying, busy, even remarkable year done and dusted for Mikey Byles.

And the rugged Warwick warrior can take some pride in his achievements after returning to the ring following a lay-off of over seven years. In boxing, that’s an eternity.

Since March, Byles has had six bouts against very good men – four opponents were unbeaten. In fact, in his first bout on the comeback trail, Mikey faced former top Welsh amateur international Kyran Jones who is 10-0 as a pro. He’s also been in with Midlands super-middle titleholder Liam O’Hare.

I was ringside for that one. It was a ding-dong battle.

For Byles, it’s been a winless year, but all but one of those six contests went the distance. And Byles has dragged prospects into thrilling wars. The man – a hit-and-be-hit hardcase – has certainly entertained.

His defence maybe leaky, his heart is large.

Sadly, the 37-year-old’s final fight of 2024 ended in his only inside distance defeat. At Leicester’s Mattioli Arena on October 26, former Midlands title challenger Stanley Stannard stopped Byles in one round.

Mikey insists he should’ve been allowed to continue – he wasn’t dropped - and may have a point. Trade magazine Boxing News described referee Chris Dean’s intervention as “slightly premature”.

“He hit me with two big shots, nothing that worried me. I covered up and let a few go,” Mikey said. “I was about to put it on him – he had a cut eye. I was fine, I think the ref jumped in early. I went southpaw with a southpaw, which was probably a bit daft.

“I always want to hear the final bell, I wanted the six rounds with Stannard. What gets to me is the fact he’s a good lad – don’t get me wrong – but not as good as others who outpointed me. He’s certainly not as good as Kyran Jones who I believe will be a British and European champion.”

Byles, now trained in Bristol by 1980s’ contender Chris Sanigar, will take a break and return to action in the new year.

“You know, I’m proud of what I’ve done,” he said. “I’ve had six fights since March, I’ve fought the best in the Midlands and Wales. My first fight in seven years was against the best in Wales. I’ve fought four or five unbeaten fighters and took them all the distance and I’ve been entertaining.”

Next year fans will see a better version of the marauding middleweight, Byles pledged.

“I want to get a couple of wins. I’ve not been 100 per cent for any of my fights, but, then, no fighter is,” he said.

“I still want to fight the top lads and be a test for any lad, I think I can be a test for anybody coming through.

“When I started the comeback, I gave myself two years, three years max. I’ll do it as long as my body allows it. I’m nearly 40 years old, I’m still mixing it with the best, but having kids makes you think a bit differently.”

He added: “I’m actually loving boxing more than I did when I first started, maybe because I’m more relaxed. It keeps me focused, fit and helps provide for my family.”