Powar: I want to be a Punjabi Pacquiao

Gully Powar…two million have viewed his dynamic ring walk

I FIND it staggering social media footage of a Gully Powar ring walk – and the Wolverhampton fighter is known for his colourful entrances – has been viewed two million times.

That’s not a following, that’s a nation.

But then the unbeaten 21-year-old has amassed a worldwide following among the Punjabi community. He’s pretty big in Wolverhampton. His profile is bigger in India.

Powar’s growing popularity, helped by recent appearances on major televised bills, is understandable.

He is a whirlwind between the ropes, throwing punches virtually non-stop. That engine comes from a dedication that borders on obsession.

Powar near lives in Richie Carter’s gym: the trainer probably has his work cut out in attempting to get Gully to ease off when needed.

You also don’t have to wait too long for a Powar performance. He’s a busy boxer who fought five times last year and has already boxed twice in 2024.

Gully can also talk the talk and is brim-full of self belief. “Every time I train, every time I go on a seven mile run in the morning, I am always thinking about being the biggest thing in boxing.

“I want to be the top guy, I want to reach the pinnacle of boxing, I want to inspire the next generation.”

Powar looks for his 10th win in a row on BCB’s June 21 show at the Hangar –  something of a home from home for the local lad. That’ll be his seventh bout at the venue.

To an extent, the goal posts have moved for Powar. He still believes he will achieve greatness, but not, as originally planned, in the super-bantam division.

He’s outgrown it and believes super-feather (junior-light in old money) will bring out the best in him.

“I’m not 22 yet and still growing,” he said. I have to be realistic. I wanted to be at super-bantam because there are some great (potential) fights in the division, but I don’t feel comfortable at the weight, I don’t think it’s achievable.”

There are, however, mouth-watering showdowns at super-feather. How about Powar and Leamington’s Danny Quartermaine who has a similar all-action style?

June 21 represents another step towards top battles and top titles.

“I want a step-up fight,” said Powar. “I took on a big, risky fighter last time (Jose Manuel Perez lost every session of their six rounder) and showed I can do the rounds against someone tough. I showed I have the skill and conditioning.

“The big improvements have come in terms of my patience in the ring. I’ve learned I don’t have to throw so many punches all the time. Against Angelo Turco (at Telford International Centre), I broke him down slowly and took him into deep waters, I was picking my shots well.”

While waiting for his first true break-out contest, Gully continues to graft hard, box often, surround himself with family and receive inspiration from God. He is, he insists, “staying humble”.