Abubaker: “I’ll make the cut as a top pro”

Amir Abubaker signs pro forms with Manning gym

AMIR Abubaker – a businessman who runs two barbers’ shops – aims to be a cut above the rest as a pro.

Having spoken to the Coventry light-middle, I can testify the game has gained a larger-than-life character who’s not short on confidence.

The 23-year-old can talk the talk: In interview, he’s articulate and entertaining. Time will tell us if he can walk the walk.

“If I didn’t believe I could win a world title, I wouldn’t waste time doing this,” he told me. “I’ve invested a lot of time in this.”

Light-middle Abubaker – part of Anthony Manning’s Birmingham gym – is set to make his debut in the next couple of months.

When he does, you’ll feel the ground shake, he pledged.

Amir arrived here from war-torn Iraq as a four-year-old and says of those early years: “My family were fighters – not boxers, but freedom fighters. They’ve told me stories, but I was too young (to remember).”

A product of Coventry’s Christ The King amateur club, Amir lost a handful of 33 contests, the list including a battle with top international George Liddard.

“The fight was cut short because of a simple cut,” said Amir, “although I wanted to fight on.”

“I turned pro after getting cut on my head (in another contest), which gave me a 30 day ban. I thought it’s time. I had 33 fights and never took a beating- the ones I lost, they guys outpointed me. I’m more of a six to 12 rounds fighter. I put it up in the later rounds.

“I was in fights, as an amateur, when I was actually bored out of my head. In fights, I wear my heart on my sleeve.

“What I’ve got is rare – it’s aggression, but controlled aggression. I’ve got the power and Anthony (Manning) has said he’s surprised by how my power has improved.”

Those purchasing tickets for Abubaker contests look set for an exciting ride. Insiders tell me he’s an “all guns blazing” individual. That makes for entertainment, but there comes a level in professional boxing where the other guys blazes back.

It boils down to how you respond.

“I’m enjoying what I’m doing,” Amir added. “I can pick my shots, I don’t have to rush, but I have to stay humble. I haven’t got time to chill, I’m restless.”

Abubaker is a young man in a hurry. Boxing’s barber reckons he’s destined to be much more than a “fringe” contender.