BORN in Hong Kong to Nepalese parents, Minaaz Gurung can be crowned Midlands champion this month!
Since he was four years old, Gurung has called Nuneaton his home.
But the 23-year-old says beating Joe Underwood-Hughes for the vacant Midlands Area super-lightweight title on a Murray International Promotions show in Cannock on Saturday, September 13, will make headlines thousands of miles away.
Gurung has a Nepalese passport and says he’s “showing the Gurkha spirit” in his boxing career.
He’s 5-0 under coach Lee Spare, 2004 ABA light-heavyweight championship finalist, and says “fighting is in my blood.”
The Gurkhas are regarded as some of the finest soldiers in the world and they once included his grandfather, Lal.
“Grandad was highly ranked,” said Gurung, “and he has done a lot for Nepalese people in the local community.
“Nuneaton has one of the biggest Nepalese populations in the country and I’m getting a lot of support from local people.
“I have got Nepalese people from back home following me on social media as well.
“Once I have won this title that should grow.
“I don’t think there’s ever been a professional boxing champion from Nepal before.
“They like MMA in Nepal – but I think boxing is better and want people there to follow me.
“There’s an MMA fighter from Nepal (Rabindra Dhant) who’s making a name for himself at the moment – and I want to catch him up and get people in Nepal noticing me.”
Gurung says beating Underwood-Hughes isn’t enough.
“I’m going to put on a show,” he said ahead of the 10-rounder at Cannock Chase Leisure Centre. “I’ve got a lot of people coming and I want to make it worth their while.
“I’m not looking for score points and run.”
Neither is Underwood-Hughes, a 28-year-old from Nottingham with a 10-4 record.
Gurung said: “He looks aggressive and when he starts throwing punches I will catch him.
“As soon as he feels my punch he will go on the back foot and I will chase him down.
“I’m going to make history.”
Fiercely proud of his Nepalese bloodline, Gurung added: “Grandad was in the Gurkhas in the UK and dad was thinking of his family’s future when he brought us here.
“Dad took a chance because in the UK, you can achieve things.”
