First six rounder test awaits gritty Gurung

Poster for Minaaz Gurung’s bout on Friday night

THE pace of Minaaz Gurung’s pro journey is stepped-up on Friday when he takes part in his first six rounder.

At the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, the Nuneaton light-welter faces dependable Stefan Vincent.

Dubbed The Wasp, the Dorset journeyman has shown little sting in his career, having won only two of 26. But he’s a man almost guaranteed to hear the final bell and I anticipate a wide points decision in favour of Gurung, Britain’s only pro of Nepalese heritage: Grandad was a Gurkha.

Trained by Lee Spare, the 22-year-old has won four on the spin since turning pro last October. All on points, all over the apprentice four round distance.

He’s a likeable bundle of energy who possesses a good engine and bags of courage. He is definitely learning on the job: Minaaz’s debut was rushed and a little frantic, but he’s shown steady improvement.

Each performance has been a better version of the Warwickshire Whirlwind.

Manager Jon Pegg has publicly stated he’d like to fast-track the boxer to a Midlands title challenge.

In a recent interview, Minaaz told me: “I was a bit too ahead of myself when I came into the pro game. I didn’t know what to expect. My first fight, I was nervous. I look at the videos and see I was tensed-up. I wasn’t boxing my style, I was looking for a knockout.

“Now I listen to my coach, believe in what he says and I will beat these fighters skilfully. It’s an ‘in and out’ style game.

“My next fight will be six rounds, that’s the only way. After that, I’ll listen to what Jon says. He may want me to have another six rounder, but I definitely want a Midlands title shot after that.”

Also on the bill, Tamworth light-heavyweight Dave Butlin – a successful businessman by day – chases his fifth straight win at the expense of Harry Matthews.

Matthews, a veteran of over 110 contests, is a decent test and always comes to fight. Butlin is the second Eastside gym boxer the Yorkshireman has faced in the last five months. In June, current Midlands super-middleweight champ Liam O’Hare despatched him with a body shot.

Fireworks on Friday’s Top Promotions show will no doubt be provided by Leeds lightweight Cory O’Regan. The 28-year-old signed with Birmingham’s former world title challenger Matt Macklin earlier this year.

The southpaw – unbeaten in 12 – gave such an impressive display at the Holiday Inn on August 24.

Southpaw Cory oozed class in demolishing Nicaraguan Engel Gomez in five rounds. He again faces foreign opposition in his return to the venue.