Minaaz learns lesson from debut victory

Minaaz Gurung…at the H Suite, Edgbaston, on Sunday

MINAAZ Gurung, the only British pro of Napalese heritage, has vowed to be more calm and collected in his second paid outing.

The Nuneaton light-welter appears on Tommy Owens’ show this Sunday afternoon at the H Suite, Edgbaston.

In the opposite corner for the four rounder will be Kasey Bradnum, an Essex lad who lost on points to lightweight prospect Mykey Lee-Broughton earlier this month. He’s won only one of 15.

“It’ll be like David and Goliath in there,” Minaaz told me. “He’s a lot taller than me.”

Minaaz, whose grandfather served in the Gurkhas, will be looking to show the improvements made since his first fight in October. Frankly, the 22-year-old seemed too eager to please against Lee Hallett who was outpointed over four.

He knows he’s better than that. He wants the fans to know it, too.

“I felt it was all rushed,” Minaaz admitted. “My mind wasn’t in the right state. Now I feel the part, I feel the buzz, I’m more confident.

“I aim to show more head movement and I can really slip shots. I’ve worked on taking my time and I think I’ve managed to cool down.

“He (Bradnum) is about 6ft, he’s not a bad boxer and he can be dangerous. But in the amateurs, most of my opponents were much taller. I know I can work him out.”

Minaaz feels he can claim a Midlands title. “Jon (manager Jon Pegg) is impressed with what I’ve done in the gym.”

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

He is a man on a mission – to promote sport within this country’s Nepalese community.

In a previous interview, he told me: “Nepalese parents don’t see progress in getting their kids into sport. They push them towards being lawyers, doctors, police…”

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.”