Wolverhampton boxing star calls for rematch after British title bid ends in controversial draw

Gully Powar wants a rematch with Rhys Edwards in the Midlands after being denied the British featherweight title in controversial circumstances on Saturday night.

The pair fought out a pulsating majority draw at Cardiff’s International Arena, though many at ringside and watching on TV believed Powar had done enough to take the win.

Wolverhampton’s Powar threw more than 1,100 punches as he went the 12 round distance for the first time in his career, dominating for large periods after hometown fighter Edwards had made a strong start.

But while it was enough to take a 115-114 decision from one of the judges, the other two scored it even 114-114 meaning the Lonsdale belt remained vacant.

Powar took to social media on Sunday morning to thank fans for their support.

He said: “I should have woken up as British champion today but this is part of the game and part of my journey as well.

“Hopefully we get the rematch on and hopefully it will be in the Midlands. I will be back stronger.”

Edwards, from the Rhondda Valley, had sold more than 1,000 tickets and Powar was booed to the ring by the 5,000-strong crowd.

The Welsh fighter made a slick start, picking off his opponent on the counter, while keeping him at range with the jab.

But Powar’s workrate more than lived up to his “Relentless” nickname and by the fourth round momentum had begun to swing.

It was seriously impressive stuff from the 23-year-old, who had never been beyond eight rounds and only once past six in his 14-bout career.

By the finish he still looked fresh, while Edwards appeared worn down by the pace yet while the BBC commentators sat ringside proclaimed a Powar win, two of the judges saw it differently.

"I knew it was a tight fight, he's a very good fighter. I respect him and we go again," said Edwards in the ring afterward.

Powar responded: "Rhys is a great fighter but I think I won the fight.

"I was relentless the whole 12 rounds, I didn't let him breathe but let's do it again, I'd love to do it again."