Big fight news brews for top talent Powar

Gully Powar…does the British title beckon. Picture: Manjit Narotra/BCB

FOR Gully Powar, the Wolverhampton featherweight who came of age in Saudi Arabia, something big could be only weeks and a phone call away.

The fighter, his trainer Richard Carter and his BCB management are keeping cards close to their chest.

But 23-year-old Powar, with only one loss in 14, admitted: “My team – Richard and BCB – are trying to get me the opportunity to fight for the British. Something is happening, there might be news in the next couple of weeks.”

It’s intriguing. British champ Zak Miller has recently vacated. If Gully’s manager Errol Johnson can secure him a title fight – presumably against Miller’s mandatory challenger Rhys Edwards – he’s really pulled a rabbit out of the hat.

Gully has the tools to reach the top, but has yet to box over 10 rounds, let alone 12. He’s also yet to face a top domestic opponent.

He believes he’s the best and so do his team. Powar’s simply itching to prove it.

While possible life-changing opportunities brew in the background, Gully keeps busy at a very familiar venue – Wolverhampton’s Hangar. He’s co-headlining BCB’s September 19 show.

Powar certainly believes in staying busy. He boxed on July 26 – his third fight of the year and had four in 2024.

“I just keeping fighting because that’s my life,” he told me. “I’m always focused and ready to fight, always in the gym. I get up at 5am in the morning for roadwork. I love the life of a fighter, I’m a throwback fighter to the 1980s and 90s.”

Actually, Gully’s “fight anyone, anywhere” philosophy is more 1950s.

Fans really took notice of what the Black Country prospect brings to the table during the WBC Grand Prix – a tournament between some of the world’s top prospects – in Riyadh.

That gamble paid off spectacularly for Gully.

He looked a revelation in beating Japhethlee Llamido in the opening round. He performed even better against Brandon Mosqueda, giving the ferocious hitting, world ranked Mexican all the trouble he could handle.

Powar lost one points, but showed he belongs on the big stage.

“Since Riyadh, the confidence has grown massively,” he said. “I took a massive step-up against two world level fighters, men who had fought at a level I’ve never been at. The confidence I built and the things I’ve learnt has been amazing.

“I’ve been sparring (world champ) Nick Ball and that’s great experience. I’m learning from the best and it makes me a better fighter.

“I’m always ready, always staying ready.”

Powar needs to be. The phone could ring at any time.