Aman only one fight from the wall of fame

Aman Kumar meet Sugar Ray Leonard during a States visit

THE word is Leamington has a very special talent in Aman Kumar, a teenage who bids for the national ABA senior elite title on Saturday.

Good enough to be compared to Eddie Byrne, the super spa town welter who ruled the amateur welter roost in the 1970s and early 80s.

If Kumar captures the welterweight title on Saturday, he’ll be the 22nd national champ to feature on the wall of fame at thriving Cleary’s gym, home to Commonwealth Games gold medallist – and current heavyweight pro prospect – Lewis Williams.

All that stands between the 19-year-old and that brickwork is Liverpool’s Luke Prior who Aman meets in the final at Derby Arena.

He’s done it the hard way, having to box three times just to be crowned Midlands champ. In all, his record stands at 49 wins and eight losses.

Aman, to a degree, is already a winner, having received the call to be assessed by Team GB.

To date, he has been something of a nearly man in tournaments, reaching semi-finals and finals, but narrowly missing out on the big prize. Aman has twice struck silver in the Haringey Box Cup.

“His is a good story to tell the kids,” said gym boss Edwin. “He’s been with me since he was eight. He’s kept his head down, has had his ups and downs in the gym. I don’t want to put pressure on him, but he’s the most gifted kid in the gym. He deserves the GB letter because he trains six days a week and has done that since the age of 12 – always the first to turn up, last to leave.”

Kumar showed his class in last weekend’s quarters and semis stages in Nottingham. On Saturday, Dagenham’s Michael Omokayode was given standing counts in the first and last round before dropping a unanimous decision.

That earned Aman a mouthwatering clash with Burton Park’s Team GB star Ellis Panter – a young man who had beaten Kumar in the national schools final six years ago.

Sunday, however, belonged to Leamington, with Aman taking the points decision. A magnificent performance.

“He is so suited to Olympic boxing,” Edwin said. “And he’d make a great pro, but not yet because his amateur journey is not over.

“He has just recently started to really punch, he is extremely fast, he likes to be in a bit of a brawl, but he is a brilliant boxer – and he’s such a nice kid.”

Edwin added: “If I ever write a book on my life in boxing, it will say Aman is an example to everyone.”