Amir burns to ‘right a wrong’ in the ring

Amir Abubaker…former champ tasted defeat for the first time

COVENTRY KO artist Amir Abubaker is itching to “right the wrongs” following his first loss.

And manager Anthony Manning wants the exciting light-middle knocking on the door for the English title almost immediately.

He’s already been offered fights for Abubaker following the July 26 setback. “We’ll see what’s best for him,” he said.

Amir’s first appearance on a major televised show didn’t go the way he or Manning planned. Having swept aside his previous nine opponents, the human wrecking ball was halted in the eighth round by Carl Fail, a former top amateur and undefeated pro.

The loss cost the 25-year-old his Midlands title.

On Queensberry Promotions big bill at Bournemouth International Centre, Amir, a barber by day, met a fighter who could take his ferocious power, then press down on the pedal.

Abubaker had his moments and landed cleanly. It was exciting until the end, but that will be little comfort to the crestfallen former champ.

“It was disheartening because we backed ourselves to win the fight,” Manning said. “Amir did everything right in training, there were just a few things he found a bit tricky to deliver on the night.

“It was a kick in the teeth for Amir because I don’t think he visualised losing, he wanted to stay on that bandwagon of being undefeated. He’s disappointed, but looking forward to getting back and righting the wrongs.”

Even the all-time greats suffer defeat – and there are positives to take from Amir’s performance.

“From my point of view, it was a very competitive fight,” Manning added, “he didn’t lose face. It’s a defeat on the record – everyone has a defeat, it’s about what you do after the defeat.

“It’s not a case of rebuilding, but there are a few things where we need to go back to the drawing board and see how we can improve.

“Carl was fitter than we thought he’d be after a long lay-off. When the levels in boxing go up, your own levels have to go up, too.”

Abubaker may have been beaten, but the beast within the menacing fighter is a long way from being tamed.