Minaaz on fast track to Midlands title bid

Minaaz Gurung after his pro debut win over Lee Hallett

THE anti is being “upped” for Minaaz Gurung, Britain’s only pro boxer of Nepalese heritage.

This Saturday, on the undercard to Jess Barry’s Midlands title bid at Coventry’s Sports Connexions, the 22-year-old takes part in his first six rounder. In the opposite corner will be Carlisle’s experienced Jake Osgoood, a familiar face on the Midlands circuit.

After that it is hoped to move the Nuneaton light-welter, who has won all three pro outings, towards Midlands title contention.

Manager Jon Pegg said: “We’re giving him a six rounder because we want to push him to a Midlands title at either light-welter or light.”

I watched Minaaz in his debut and there were definitely rough edges to be smoothed. He’s improved with each outing.

“He trains very hard and you can’t ask for more than that,” said Pegg. “I think most people, if they train really hard and spar with good people, can win a Midlands title with the right fight.

“He’s got fast hands, a good work rate and he’s really game. He gets stuck in and is prepared to take a wallop – all the right signs for me.”

Minaaz said: “I want to chase the fights people want to see. I know I have the knockout power, it’s just a question of learning when to bring it.

“I’ll go as far as my hands will take me.”