George Sykes

As a boxer, George Sykes was a middleweight and in 1891 he beat Manchester’s Jack Gamble to win the ABA title in an epic final. Sykes later boxed for the St. James AC and was to become the club’s MC (Master of Ceremonies) at several functions. He turned to refereeing in the latter part of the 19th Century and was often called upon to referee at ABA championships. He also had the honour of officiating at both the 1908 and 1920 Olympics. He was still officiating, albeit as official-in-charge, at the age of 69 in 1937.