Midlands title call for Nepal’s boxing hope

Minaaz Gurung talks about his future hopes with this reporter

EXCITING, unbeaten Minaaz Gurung – the only British pro born in Nepal – has been offered a title opportunity.

Governing body the Boxing Board of Control have called on the 23-year-old and Tipton’s Conor Baker to meet for the vacant Midlands super-lightweight title. I’m old school and will always consider the 10st division “light-welter” – there were no “supers” in my day.

If it goes ahead, that’s a mouth-watering encounter. Baker, guided by Black Country Boxing Promotions, has won five on the spin, all on points.

Nuneaton’s Gurung, managed by Jon Pegg and trained by Lee Spare, is also 5-0 with one victory coming by stoppage.

The Board of Control’s call is a welcome piece of good news for Minaaz who possesses an all-action, fan friendly style.

He also has a colourful, banner-waving Nepalese following.

Covid and an Achilles injury suffered during roadwork have kept Minaaz away from the ring this year. Now he’s back in the gym and firing on all cylinders.

“He’s got that Nepalese warrior in him,” said coach Spare. “If we can keep with that and develop the boxing side in that, we have got a very good prospect on our hands.

“He’s the only Nepalese boxer (in this country). Here in Nuneaton we have a strong Nepalese community because we had an army camp. They all know each other and (nationally) we are tapping into that community.

“They are very proud people – they want to get behind one of their own who is doing well.”

Gurung’s grandfather served in the famed Gurkha regiment. Dad Thakur works as a taxi driver.

Spare believes the move to 10 round title status has come at the right time.

“I think it’s brilliant news,” he said. “I think Minaaz is ready for it, he’s been ticking along nicely. He’s ready for the step-up.

“It’s a good test on his journey. He’s more composed now, he’s settled down, he’s not rushing things. Before, he got a bit close, now he’s thinking about opening up the target.

“It’s great timing and a great opportunity.”

He added: “Minaaz has good power, he’s a really strong kid. Now he’s leaning how to set-up those (powerful) shots and throw them in a real-time situation.”

For some time, Gurung has been the only British pro of Nepalese heritage. Now he wants to be the only one with a championship belt.