Minaaz set to defend crown against Baker
Gurung…scheduled to fight in Cannock in February. Pic: Aidan Hewitt
MINAAZ Gurung, a Nepalese bundle of fighting fury, is set defend his Midlands super-lightweight title fight against Tipton’s Conor Baker.
The unbeaten pair – Minaaz has won six, Baker seven – are scheduled to meet on promoter Scott Murray’s big show at Chase Leisure Centre, Cannock, on February 7. I understand contracts are yet to be signed, but both camps are happy with the terms.
It’s a 10 rounder with some history. Gurung, from Nuneaton, but born in Nepal, was to have faced Baker in September for the vacant belt at the same venue.
Baker pulled out and his place was taken by late sub Joe Underwood Hughes. Minaaz gained the title with an electrifying eighth round stoppage.
“I have to give credit to Hughes,” Gurung said, “he stepped up and moved up a weight. I don’t think there’s a super-lightweight hungrier than the geezer I boxed against.”
Gurung, part of Lee Spare’s successful gym, is a work in progress, there are still rough edges to be smoothed. He’s exciting, loves a tear-up and is now hitting with real power.
“I told you from the start as soon as I’m in there with fighters prepare to come forward and take the shots, you’ll see the stoppages,” he said.
“I still don’t feel I can say I’m the best in the Midlands because I’ve only fought for the title once. I need wins over unbeaten lads, I need to face more good lads.
“The improvements are always coming, I’m still a student of the game. It doesn’t matter what level I’m at, I’ll always think there is so much more to improve on.
“I learned so much from my last (title) fight, the next one will be so very different. Next time my hand is going to be glued to my cheek.”
Minaaz brings carnival colour to shows, courtesy of a noisy, banner waving band of Nepalese supporters: “My fanbase may not be the largest, but if you have only 10 of them, it feels and sounds like there are 100 in there.”
I can testify to that.
In Baker, he faces a very good unbeaten lad. “From what I’ve seen, he’s sharp and has a good jab,” Gurung acknowledged. “But if he keeps flicking out that jab, I’ll catch him. If he’s taller, even better – he won’t see my shots coming.”
There have been trials and tribulations on the way to champion status. An eye issue delayed Gurung’s entry into the pro ranks, then injury and illness slowed his progress.
“There have been times when I’ve thought, ‘what if boxing’s not for me?’,” he admitted. “My last camp, words can’t explain the pain and emotions, it knocked me back a few metres.
“I’ve had so many setbacks, you have say to yourself, ‘today is the day I want to give up, tomorrow is the day that will reap the rewards.
“I’m sticking at it, no matter what life throws at me. I pray God puts me in a place the world gets to see, make my name something people associate with Nepal and its culture.”