The long wait is over for new pro Gurung

Minaaz Gurung…fights in Coventry next month

FOR Minaaz Gurung, the country’s only professional boxer from Nepal, the long wait to make his debut is over.

The Nuneaton light-welter makes his bow on Tommy Owens’ October 14 show at Sport Connexions, Coventry. In the opposite corner will be Lee Hallett, a southpaw with over 70 contest under his belt.

For 21-year-old Gurung, it’s be a long, frustrating wait for the moment to come. He announced plans to turn pro 12 months ago, but eyesight problems stalled progress.

Gurung underwent corrective surgery two months ago and has now received the all-clear. He’s aggressive and lets the shots fly.

“I can’t wait to open the book and write the first chapter,” he told me. “There’ll be a bit of everything on the night – happiness, sadness, excitement, nervousness.

“I’m ready. The best boxers in my gym are southpaws. Danny Costello is southpaw, Ashlee Eales is a bit of both. I’ve watched Lee Hallett box and know there is going to be an opening.”

In Gurung, the game has certainly gained a colourful character.

Grandad served in the Gurkhas, which gave his family the opportunity to move to the UK. Minaaz, who sees his long-term 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.

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

He told me: “My performance will speak for itself. Hopefully, it will be a quick night, that’s what I hope for.

“How far will this journey take me? I can’t answer that, I’m just focused on opening my resume.”

Gurung 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.”