Gurung: I’ll show the Nepal warrior spirit!

Minaaz Gurung after beating Lee Hallett is his debut

MINAAZ Gurung, the only Nepalese pro boxer in Britain, is on a mission to show fans the fighting heart his countrymen possess.

And he is driven by the words of his grandfather, a former Gurkha soldier: “If someone says they’re not afraid to die, they are either a liar or a Gurkha.”

Gurung, based in Nuneaton and trained by Lee Spare, has peeled off four straight wins since turning over in October last year.

After a somewhat faltering debut, the light-welter has shown steady improvement. I can confirm he’s a man who likes to get stuck in, he possesses plenty of old fashioned “bottle”.

Now recovered from injury, Gurung takes part in his first six rounder at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, on November 15.

After that, he wants a Midlands title fight sooner rather than later.

“Nepalese people are aggressive fighters,” he told me. “I want to show the world Nepalese fighters are brave fighters. Our blood line shows we are fighters.”

He arrived here with his family when five-years-old. Dad Thakur, a taxi driver, has backed and believed in Minaaz’ boxing dream.

Minaaz is the first to admit his first paid bout, against Lee Hallett, was a below par performance. He rushed his work, he appeared over-eager but still took a clear 40-37 decision.

Performances since have been much more polished.

“I was a bit too ahead of myself when I came into the pro game,” he said. “I didn’t know what to expect. My first fight, I was nervous. I look at the videos and see I was tensed-up. I wasn’t boxing my style, I was looking for a knockout.

“Now I listen to my coach, believe in what he says and I will beat these fighters skilfully. It’s an ‘in and out’ style game.”

A product of Bedworth’s Boxing Clever Academy, Gurung hung up his amateur vest after 11 wins in 20 bouts. He signed pro forms with Jon Pegg and had a frustrating 12 month wait before making his bow.

Eyesight problems stalled progress and Gurung had to undergo corrective surgery before being given the all-clear.

“My next fight will be six rounds, that’s the only way,” he said. “After that, I’ll listen to what Jon says. He may want me to have another six rounder, but I definitely want a Midlands title shot after that.

“I’m sparring top fighters who throw punches back at me and that’s when my style comes out.

“I respect journeymen because they are helping me to learn, but they don’t throw shots like that. When I’m against fighters who don’t throw punches it’s hard to show my style. I believe in my boxing skills and wearing 8oz or 10oz gloves, they’re not going to be able to walk through that power.”

Gurung has something of a mountain to climb if he is to achieve his ambition of winning a British title. To date, he’s served his apprenticeship by beating men with losing records.

But don’t bet against it. His countrymen know all about climbing mountains.