Powar selected for boxing’s World Cup

Gully Powar…off to Saudi Arabia. Picture: Manjit Narotra/BCB Promotions

FOR Wolverhampton whirlwind Gully Powar, the opportunity of a lifetime has come early – the leap from small halls to the world stage has been made.

In a true Cinderella story, the 22-year-old has been chosen to take part in the game’s first ever World Cup, staged as part of Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia.

The WBC Grand Prix, which kicks off on April 17, will see 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.

Powar, whose last two fights have been at the Hangar Venue, Wolverhampton, is probably still pinching himself. In 11 unbeaten fights, the farthest he’s performed from his home city is Telford.

 And he truly believes he can win the whole caboodle. “Pressure is an illusion,” he said. “If you don’t believe you’re the best in the world, how can others believe it?”

Powar, who has a massive following in the Sikh community, reasons that being part of the competition has labelled him one of the world’s top prospects: “They selected me for a reason.”

His Wolverhampton gym, run by Richard Carter, has already achieved a lot. Now it can add Saudi to the list.

“It’s an amazing opportunity,” Gully said. “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’m 23 in July, I want good fights, I want big platforms. For me, the opportunity has arrived. I’m an entertaining fighter.”

Powar has endured a frustrating search for title fights on the domestic front – and he’s had to take contests well above the featherweight limit to simply stay active. “It’s been frustrating,” Gully admitted

Making nine stone will not be a struggle, he insisted.

“I have a nutritionist on board,” he said. “He did a lot of tests and said I’ll make featherweight very easily. My body-shape hasn’t changed, I’m still at my best. I’m going to be massive and strong at the weight.”

Of the glittering event, WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán said: “With the incredible support and vision of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Dr. Rakan, we are bringing to life a tournament that will revolutionise the sport and unearth incredible new talents.

“This is the first event where young talents will have the opportunity to come out from unknown parts of the world to shine through the Grand Prix. This tournament is a testament to the vision and passion of my father, José Sulaiman. When I shared my father’s dream with Turki Alalshikh, he immediately said, ‘let’s make it a reality’.”