Gully Powar is determined to bolt through to the upper echelons of the super bantamweight division – starting with his pro debut.
He first punches for pay when BCB Promotions return to the Hangar Events Venue, in Wolverhampton, on the Sunday afternoon of October 30.
Powar’s pro journey begins in his home city, where he spent his entire amateur career learning his craft at Wolverhampton Boxing Club.
The 20-year-old, from Whitmore Reans, will continue to be coached by ex-pro Richie Carter, having left the amateur code behind after this year’s National Championships.
Powar, the third seed at 60kg, was thwarted by Connor Samms in the quarter-finals, finishing his amateur ledger with 25 victories from 34 bouts.
The former Thomas Telford UTC pupil and City of Wolverhampton College student duly decided to turn pro, under the stewardship of Carter and BCB.
Sparring has come with the likes of Liam Davies and Ijaz Ahmed, established pros who are challenging for European and British honours respectively.
Powar is adamant that he’s more than capable of emulating those feats, in a division where BCB cohort Davies is the reigning British super bantamweight champion.
That journey is soon to begin with his pro bow, where he will be looking to catch the eye and build up momentum for his longer-term aims.
Powar said: “When I got robbed in the Elites, I knew it was time to leave the amateurs behind, come back stronger and turn over. I know the level I’m at and where I can get to.
“Everyone thought I’d won the fight, so to lose it on a split took away from me my chance to move on to bigger and better things. I’d have had to wait a year to go in the Elites again.
“I was back in the gym the next day and I’ve had six months to get ready for my pro debut. It’s about proving anyone who ever doubted me wrong and I strive for greatness.
“In my amateur career, I boxed the best lads in the country and either came out with the win or pushed my opponent close. The bottom line is that I never gave up.
“I have the underdog mentality, I’ve had to prove that I’m a good fighter and I’ve determined to beat any odds as a pro. I believe that the future is bright for me.
“I’m a lethal body puncher. I had a pro style anyway, so I’ve just turned the pace down. I’ve been sparring at a high level and that’s given me confidence.
“I want to be known as someone who created a legacy and that, to me, means becoming the British super bantamweight champion and then getting to European and world level.
“Whoever gets in front of me, there is going to be a statement made. I’m after a stoppage, on my debut, but the most important thing is to get the job done.”
Tickets for the Hangar bill are available, priced at £40 standard or £75 VIP ringside with buffet, from the BCB Box Office by calling 07493 582 261 or visiting myfighttickets.com.
