Minaaz: I want to be Nepal’s first champ

Minaaz Gurung…light-welter makes his pro debut on June 3

MINAAZ Gurung is a fighter on a mission. One of the most colourful additions to the pro ranks aims to be the first Nepal born boxer to gain a domestic honour.

He also wants to show Britain’s Nepalese community the importance of sport. Minaaz said: “Nepalese parents don’t see progress in getting their kids into sport. They push them towards being lawyers, doctors, police…”

The 21-year-old, from Nuneaton, make his pro bow on June 3 at Coventry’s Sport Connexions after an intriguing journey. The show is promoted by Tommy Owens.

Grandad served in the Gurkhas, which gave his family the opportunity to move to the UK. Minaaz, who will fight at light-welter, but sees his future in the lightweight division, was around five at the time.

His dad Thakur, a taxi driver, has backed and believed in Minaaz’ boxing dream. On June 3, the debutant aims to repay his father’s faith.

Fans can expect all action from the newcomer who is managed by Jon Pegg. “I believe in putting excitement in boxing,” he said. “That’s what I like about old-school boxers, the all out aggression.”

Minaaz is a joy to interview – a young man with a lot to say.

Poster for Minaaz’s big night

He told me: “I went to do kick-boxing when I was eight. I didn’t really like it, I wanted to throw punches with my hands. Dad then took me to a gym near our home, a community gym. I stayed there for one or two years, they saw potential and sent me to an amateur boxing club.

“It’s been one hell of a journey. From the age of 11 to 14, it was fine, then I got distracted. The first few fights were good, I started losing fights and got distracted.

“At 18 or 19, I came to the realisation I couldn’t go on like that. I decided to dedicate myself to boxing.”

A product of Bedworth’s Boxing Clever Academy, Minaaz hung up his amateur vest after 11 wins in 20 bouts.

“I turned pro because my dad always believed in me, always pushed me,” he said. “I never wanted to let him down. I wanted to turn pro when I was 18, but wasn’t really ready for it. I wanted to make a statement, I wanted to be the first Nepalese fighter to win a title.

“I used to doubt myself so much, but not any more.”

The pro ranks represent an exciting step into the unknown.

“I don’t know what to expect, myself,” Minaaz laughed. “As an amateur, I could make people dance – you know, make their legs wobble, but I was never really a finisher. Now I’m sparring pros and better fighters, I believe it’s all coming together.”

Outside the ring, Minaaz helps youngsters from troubled backgrounds and hopes his pro career will inspire them.

He’s certainly leaving no stone unturned in his bid for boxing success.

Minaaz added: “I don’t have a social life, I want to pursue my dream. I’m in the gym all the time.”