Gully’s been through hell and back during last 2 years - Carter

Powar wirh Carter (right)….British title fight has hit the skids

FOR Wolverhampton whirlwind Gully Powar, the good things certainly don’t come easy.

His mouthwatering clash with Nelson Birchall for the vacant British featherweight title is dead in the water, which must be a heavy blow for Powar and his team to take.

Birchall, just 21, pulled out of the September 26 battle at Birmingham’s BP Pulse Live arena, stating he can no longer make the 9st limit.

Promoters Queensberry have attempted to find a replacement, but with the clock ticking that seems increasingly unlikely: boxers, understandably, want and need time to prepare for a 12 rounder with the Lonsdale Belt on the line.

Let’s be honest – Gully probably won’t appear on the major show.

You have to feel for the fighter. It took an eternity before Powar and Welshman Rhys Edwards faced each other for the title in April – and when that did happen, the contest ended in a controversial draw. Many felt Gully hard done by.

The ordered re-match failed to materialise, English champ Birchall took Edwards’ place, only to withdraw. Powar is back to square one.

“It’s disappointing,” Gully’s trainer Richie Carter said. “I’m feeling for Gully, he’s been through hell the last two years. The Edwards fight took 12 months to get over the line, there was a rematch clause that fell apart. Now the Birchall fight has fell apart.”

There are positives, however. Gully’s promotional deal with Queensberry remains intact, with talk of a show in October, and he is still number one challenger for the British title. His time will come, it’s a matter of when.

“Gully’s OK,” Carter said, “he’s getting his head round it – what’s happened has happened, it’s boxing. Queensberry’s trying to get a replacement, but it’s short notice for the other lads. I understand that.”

Carter described news Birchall can no longer make featherweight as “a bit bizarre”. “I know the kid is only young and still growing, but his camp did put him forward for the British title. He pulled out two days after the press conference, but no one’s to blame, it’s one of them.”

He added: “I did get in touch with the Board of Control to see Gully’s position and I’ve been assured anyone who wants the British (title) has to fight him. He’s signed to Queensberry, it just means we’ve got to wait.”