Powar…British featherweight title fight next week. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB
IT may take place two days after Bonfire Night, but Gully Powar’s British featherweight title fight with Zak Miller is already smouldering.
The blue touchpaper has been lit. It’s now a matter of stepping back and waiting for the explosion because, make no mistake, at Manchester’s AO Arena on November 7 there will be fireworks.
This is a classic blend of tried and tested top level performer – Manchester’s Miller is battle hardened, has held the British title and is the current Commonwealth champ – against a younger man looking to take the first purposeful step on a road he has no doubt will lead to world honours.
Powar’s self-belief is so complete it is near intimidating. “I’m not interested in being a celebrity, I’m only interested in being a champion,” the Wolverhampton 24-year-old told me.
“I’m always prepared, always focused in the gym. Zak is a proven champion, he’s got some good wins under his belt. Anyone who steps in the ring, I respect, but I don’t really care what they are going to do – I focus on what I’m going to do. I want to fight the best and beat them.
“He has a nice jab, he’s technically correct. I’m a fighter coming to win and confident I will win.”
For Powar, the hunt for a Lonsdale Belt has been long and frustrating. It seemed to take an age for Gully and Rhys Edwards to meet for the vacant featherweight title: when they finally did – on Welsh soil in April, the contest ended in a 12 round draw that many felt kind on the Welshman.
Edwards pulled out of the ordered rematch to be replaced by red-hot prospect Nelson Birchall who also withdrew, stating he could no longer make the 9st limit.
Miller, aged 29, is a more than adequate replacement. His only loss in 17 came by majority decision to defending featherweight champ Nathaniel Collins, but he bounced back to lift the English, British and Commonwealth belts.
In Powar, he faces an individual who simply slings shots non-stop. He, too, has only one loss on a 15 bout CV – and in defeat he gave world class puncher Brandon Mosqueda a hard night.
Powar, a young man who studies the sport’s history, does not contemplate defeat. That makes him a handful. He eats, sleeps and breathes the sport.
“British title, Commonwealth, European – one by one,” he told me. “My aim is to be WBC world champion, defend against Mosqueda and right that wrong.”
He enjoys global support from the Sikh community and aims to repay that loyalty next Saturday.
“I’m getting support from places like California,” he added. “I want to create a legacy for Sikh fighters coming through. I want to create a legacy for fighters of all heritages. I want them to become champions as well.
“I watch the greats – Salvador Sanchez, my favourite fighter, Danny Lopez, Wilfredo Gomez, Duran. They beat the best and I want to do the same thing. I’m coming down the British route, but think, if I keep beating champions, I can create the same legacy.
“If I can keep my focus and stay grounded, everything will work out.”