Gully Powar confident of glory after landing British title shot
Wolverhampton featherweight Gully Powar believes he will end the year British champion after landing a shot at the coveted Lonsdale belt.
Powar has been lined-up to face Welshman Rhys Edwards for the currently vacant crown by the British Boxing Board of Control.
The bout is currently out to purse bids, which must be submitted to the board by September 10, with the contest likely to take place in either late November or early December.
It marks a huge opportunity for Powar, who forced his way into the reckoning for title shots thanks to his impressive performances at the WBC Grand Prix earlier this year.
The 23-year-old, who had previously fought exclusively on small hall shows in the Midlands, did not look out of place among the world’s top prospects, scoring a superb win over Japhethlee Llamido before bowing out bravely to highly-rated Mexican and tournament favourite, Brandon Mosqueda.
Powar told the Express & Star: “I am really excited. To be fighting 12 rounds for the main belt in the UK, I just can’t wait until we get in the ring.
“I think because I fought so well in Saudi against tough fighters at the top level, some of the best prospects in the world, that really did raise my profile in a positive way.
“People have looked at me and thought: ‘This kid deserves a shot’.”
Powar has only once boxed beyond six rounds in his 14-fight career but is confident of lasting the pace over the longer, championship-distance.
And while Edwards, whose only defeat in 18 contests came against former Olympian Peter McGrail, might have the greater experience on paper, Powar claims a list of recent sparring partners which includes Galal Yafai and world champion Nick Ball has given him no fear of making the step up.
A planned appearance in Wolverhampton on September 19 is now likely to be shelved as Powar and his team turn full attention to the title shot.
“Rhys Edwards is a good fighter,” he said. “Everyone is going to expect a great contest and that is what they are going to get.
“I have gained a lot of experience. You only have to look at who I have been sparring. I have been in with everyone at the top level so my experience has gone up.
“I am very confident in my ability. I’m never going to under-estimate anybody but I know I am going to win. I am a very fit fighter and the longer distances I believe will suit me more.”
