Minaaz could face Hughes for the title
Minaaz Gurung….fights for Midlands belt on Cannock super-show
THE stakes have been raised considerably in the quest to secure Minaaz Gurung a Midlands title fight on Scott Murray’s blockbuster September 13 Cannock show.
And Minaaz, the only domestic pro born in Nepal, could face a much harder fight than the one originally put forward by the Board of Control.
Nottingham’s Joe Underwood Hughes, a boxer who has fought on the big stage during a 14 bout career, has been approached to be in the opposite corner.
The Midlands arm of the governing body had called for Nuneaton’s Gurung and Conor Baker, from Tipton, to meet for the vacant area super-lightweight belt.
That appeared a real “pick ‘em” 10 rounder. Gurung, aged 23, is unbeaten in five, Baker unbeaten in six.
With Baker unable to box on September’s show at the Chase Leisure Centre, the hunt for a replacement began.
The fight has now been offered to Hughes, Minaaz’s manager Jon Pegg confirmed.
As yet, there’s been no decision from the fighter’s team, but Pegg has a point when he says: “I can’t see why they wouldn’t take it – it’s a tough fight for Minaaz.”
It is. Hughes, aged 28, has lost four and mixed in good company. He took red-hot prospect took Cameron Vuong the eight round distance and outpointed dangerous Jahfieus Faure. The only real blip is a one round loss to Clayton Bricknell.
If Murray can make Gurung and Hughes happen, it would be yet more sugar sprinkled on a show already rich in quality.
Sam Eggington, Nyall Berry and Jess Barry are in title action, Zach Evans looks to make a significant step-up, American KO artist Craig “Sledgehammer” Parker will surely provide fireworks.
Add to the list newcomers, Leo Fanthome and Brad Willetts.
Nuneaton’s former Midlands 11st champ Ashlee Eales has also been added to the bill. Manager Pegg said: “He’s told me he wants a proper fight.
“And to be fair, he’s never turned anybody down – fights haven’t happened because of injury or the other person pulling out.”
He added: “Scott’s looking for some kind of TV for the show and it deserves it. It’s a really good one.”