Well he boxed a 10 rounder two weeks ago (hard fought as well), He may of mentally fatigued in that final but it was close and Sykes has a habit of slapping shots to body. I felt it could of went either way so no real complaints.
How far can he go?. Well he's a SFW who looked very solid at LW, Strong, Moves well, Decent balance, Feints and has a decent jab when he used it as well as ability to pick shots and then gut it out on the inside.
He stuck to the task well with Derry, Derry did start getting to him in the 3rd round. But if managed right he could challenge for the higher domestic prizes in 2013. Keep him away from Gavin Rees, let him build upon last night and gain some momentum.
I'd get him out in December defending English title, He needs to make a decision with regards to what weight he wants to operate at. Don't do what Crolla did and win and then fight a division to high because you had some success.