Powar given a tough test on his TV debut

Powar lands that trademark left hook to the liver

FOR Gully Powar, the marauding, unbeaten Wolverhampton super-bantam, the clock is ticking towards his explosion on the national scene.

On November 18, the 21-year-old has his first bout on a major TV bill. He has earned a place on Boxxer’s huge bill at Wolverhampton’s former Civic Hall, topped by Tyler Denny’s European middleweight title attempt.

I can reveal Gully will face tough Nicaraguan Darwing Martinez over six rounds on the show, which will be screened by Sky Sports.

It’s a very decent test for the Richie Carter trained fighter, who is unbeaten in six.

Martinez has won eight and drawn two of 23 contests. He’s been in with such top domestic names as Chris Bourke and Charlie Edwards.

It has the ingredients for a hard night for the local lad who admitted: “I’m in a challenge.”

This is a step-up for Gully – and he relishes the opportunity to win over fans across the country. Up until now, he’s been a Black Country secret.

“This is the step up I need to put my name out there,” he told me. “And it’s made at 8st 12lbs so I can show what I bring at my natural weight. I can’t wait for this fight – I want to show how great I can be.”

I like Powar. His work ethic is near unbelievable – the lad pretty much lives in Carter’s gym, he has an all-action, exciting style and his self-belief is through the roof. Insiders have told me that in the gym Powar will spar anyone regardless of weight and reputation.

What’s more, the prospect is a boxing historian, like myself. He studies the greats.

“Whatever I do, I want to be the Number One,” he said. All the ‘Ls’ (losses placed on opponents’ amateur records) I’ve taken have been lessons to me.

“The power will be there at super-bantam, I’m a ‘break ‘em down’ fighter. On November 18 fans are going to see serious pressure, serious body punching. They are going to see a lot of ambition, a lot of combinations.”

Powar lives, eats and sleeps boxing. Carter must have his hands full preventing Powar from going at it 24/7.

“I study the great champions,” Gully added. “I run seven miles at 5.30 in the morning, like Marvin Hagler did. I train three times a day, I have a nutritionist. I have strong self belief because God is in my heart. He upstairs is watching me.”

Gully added: “They call me ‘Relentless’, but Richie Carter has another name for me, The Dark Horse.”

Powar may no longer be a Dark Horse after November 18. That is his time to shine before a national audience.

The stakes are high, but perhaps Powar needs that pressure to show what he’s truly made of.