Gurung back after a year away from ring

Minaaz Gurung….the former champ eases back next month

GOOD to see Minaaz Gurung – the swash-buckling super-lightweight of Nepalese heritage – back in action.

The Nuneaton 24-year-old ends a near year break from the game with an appearance at Sports Connexion, Coventry, on November 6. That’s one of three shows staged by Scott Murray in the space of a month.

Gurung’s return is welcome: he has an exciting, fan-friendly style and his fans bring real Nepalese carnival colour to venues.

“Get him back, something nice and simple,” said manager Jon Pegg. “Get him back in the swing of things.”

It’s hard to believe Minaaz, unbeaten in six, hasn’t seen action since spectacularly stopping Joe Underwood Hughes for the Midlands title.

The months since have been frustrating, blighted by illness and a family bereavement. Gurung also lost his belt before making a defence, with the Board of Control stripping him of it.

Gurung remains a man on a mission - to promote sport within this country’s Nepalese community.

In a previous interview, he told me: “Nepalese parents don’t see progress in getting their kids into sport. They push them towards being lawyers, doctors, police…”

November 6 will be a busy one for Nuneaton coach Lee Spare, with Ashlee Eales, currently in the form of his life, returning after his stunning upset victory over Diego Krasimirov.

And welter Leo Fanthome has been included after his hopes of boxing for the Midlands title fell through. Leo had hoped to face Callum Blockley for the belt in Nottingham on December 19. That matched failed to gain Board approval, however.