Gully’s time to shine on the world stage!

Gully Powar…dream opportunity in Riyadh. Picture: Manjit Narotra/BCB

WE are only hours away from Gully Powar’s explosion on the world scene.

We are only hours away from marking the unbeaten fighter’s remarkable journey from Black Country small halls to the gilt-edged glory of Saudi Arabia’s boxing corridors.

It’s a very, very long way from the Hangar, Wolverhampton, where the majority of Gully’s fights have taken place.

Later this afternoon, the marauding Wolverhampton prospects begins his attempt to capture the featherweight category of the WBC Grand Prix, effectively boxing’s first ever World Cup.

The luxurious venue – Riyadh’s Global Theatre – is like nothing Gully has experienced before.

The opponent, Californian southpaw Japhethlee Llamido, is a stride above anyone Gully has faced in an unblemished 11 bout career. He has lost only one of 13, but that was a decisive set-back. World title challenger TJ Doheny blasted out Llamido in a single round.

That tells me Powar can make a Saudi statement.

Make no mistake, the 22-year-old has arrived on the big stage and he and his team may be finding the situation and surroundings a little surreal.

While packing for the trip, trainer Richie Carter told me: “I haven’t been farther than Spain before!”

The Grand Prix sees 32 top prospects from around the globe compete in four weight categories – feather, super-light, middle and heavy.

In all, they’ll be five stages in each division, beginning with six round bouts, ending with a 10 round final. Powar will be one of the 32 featherweights.

The cash on offer is immense, the opportunity near mind-boggling.

Never lacking in self-confidence, Powar is in it to win the whole thing. Yesterday he posted: “Weight made, now it’s time to beat the best in the world.”

Before flying out, Gully told me: “It’s an amazing opportunity. The chance to face the best prospects in the world and showcase my skills on the world stage.

“I can really showcase my ability and prove I’m one of the best prospects to come out of the UK. Ask Richard Carter, see my spar – I know what I’m capable of doing. These fighters have two arms and legs, like me. That is the way I see it.

“I want good fights, I want big platforms. For me, the opportunity has arrived. I’m an entertaining fighter.”

The platforms don’t get any better than Riyadh.