‘It’s my time to shine’ pledges Gully Powar

Poster for the British title battle between Gully Powar and Rhys Edwards

WOLVERHAMPTON whirlwind Gully Powar has described his forthcoming British featherweight clash with Rhys Edwards as the “time to shine”.

And with each week that passes before the April 4 clash on Boxxer’s huge Utilita Arena show in Cardiff, my belief Powar will shine brightly grows.

He’ll start an outsider, he’ll start an unknown. But Welshman Edwards will, I believe, discover he’s locked horns with a small hall nightmare. So will those watching the action on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

For opponents, the Black Country prospect is like an itch that becomes an inflamed rash the more you scratch it.

Powar, aged 23, possesses the kind of desire and drive that couldn’t be dislodged by dynamite. Others believe they can win a world title, Gully, with one loss in 14, truly believes it’s a certainty.

He said: “This is my time to shine. I’ve been putting in the work behind the scenes and now everyone gets to see what I’m about. I respect Rhys, but I’m coming to Cardiff to take that British title home. The fans can expect fireworks when I step into the ring.” 

Edwards, with one loss in 18, has cut his teeth on major, televised shows – including an undercard appearance on the Oleksandr Usyk v Tyson Fury showdown in Riyadh. I doubt he’s faced anyone like a pumped-up Powar.

The 25-year-old, from the Rhondda Valley village of Penygraig, said: “Winning the British title has been a dream since I first started boxing. I’ve worked my whole career for this moment, and now it’s time to make it count. To get this opportunity at home in Wales is a special feeling. Gully Powar is a good fighter, but I’ll prove I’m on another level. On April 4, Wales will have another champion.”

BOXXER boss Ben Shalom said: “This is a fantastic British title fight between two young, hungry fighters. Rhys Edwards and Gully Powar both have exciting styles and will be ready to lay it all on the line. It’s another exciting addition to what is going to be a spectacular event in Cardiff showcasing the very best of Welsh boxing, live and free and on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.” 

Let’s be honest. The stage and setting have been created for an Edwards coronation: a Welsh prospect is fighting in Wales on a bill topped by his country’s sporting hero Lauren Price.

Knowing Powar, that will only increase his phenomenal punch rate. He’s not prepared to be anyone’s fall guy.