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The recently announced WBC Grand Prix set to take place in April 2025 will showcase a total of 128 fighters across four divisions representing 41 countries from across the globe in the new hub of boxing, Saudi Arabia.
But for Gully Powar (11-0, 1KO) its more than just representing England, its representing his culture and faith as one of the few Sikh athletes competing in professional boxing as he aims to showcase his talent by besting 31 other top prospects in the featherweight division.
“I’m willing to dare to be great, I know what I’m up against and now it’s time to showcase my skills against top fighters and put my career on a pedestal,” said Powar.
“I’m a British Sikh, there’s not many Sikh fighters in the sport so I’m also representing my culture, it’s good to inspire the next generation, but I’m not just here to inspire the culture I’m here to inspire everyone in the world. I do talks with young people, inspiring the younger generation is one of the most important things in my career, it’s a massive thing to represent the Sikh faith also,” he added.
The unbeaten professional alongside his team had to remain patient as they waited for opportunities, but as we have we’ve seen more recently with the likes of Boxxer talent Rhys Edwards and newly signed Matchroom signing Josh Paldey, remaining in the gym and fighting shape will benefit hugely when the moment arises.
“That’s what I’ve always done to be fair, I’m always ready, I’ve got a nutritionist on board I feel ready all the time, that’s the best way to be as a fighter,” said the West Midlands fighter.
He added, “We’ve got the opportunity and now we’re representing England in the Grand Prix, I’m the only one in the featherweight division at the moment that’s a massive opportunity that I’m representing the country on my own. Out of around a thousand applications only thirty-two fighters got selected, it made my day, I’ve never got the opportunity to fight on big platforms”.
“I was just waiting, it’s hard to get me opponents. This is now the time I can really showcase my skills and how good I am, my coach calls me the dark horse because it’s hard to get me fights. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime, you get one shot at these opportunities, not every fighter can just fight in Riyadh.”
Gully Powar aiming to reach the pinnacle as he takes on elite talent from across the globe
In a first of its kind tournament the new WBC competition will capture the attention of boxing fans worldwide with the chance to witness 128 of the brightest prospects and further indication of what lies ahead for their career.
These bouts are a major opportunity for these talented fighters to showcase why they deserve a shot at the big time, something Powar has been patiently waiting for since the beginning of his pro journey in 2022.
“This is the making of me now, the whole world will start to know what I’m capable of doing, I can reach the pinnacle if I stay focused, I’m focused on the goal of the moment which is winning the first fight of the Grand Prix, I can get to the top-level step by step, and I will get there, I will get to the pinnacle in the sport of boxing,” said Powar on the upcoming Grand Prix.
He added, “I’m 22-years-old I’m still very young in the sport, not many young fighters want to take that shot because they’re scared of losing their 0”
With the reward dangling and the ability to climb the ranks there is always potential that against high level opposition you can be knocked back in your career and need to rebuild, a process thats even harder if you’re still a relatively new to the pro game. However Powar is full of confidence despite the quality opposition he’s set to face and the added pressure, will only benefit his performances.
“I’m fighting the best prospects in the world, these fighters are coming to win which is better for me because I perform better when fighters come to fight,” said the orthodox fighter.
He added, “I like pressure, when the pressures on me it makes me a better fighter, pressure makes diamonds as they say and I just can’t wait to perform, show everyone my ability, I am going to win”.
“I know I’m going to be fighting fighters from some good camps, but this is my time to shine now, I’m going to go there with a number one mentality, I’m going to be the number one guy in the sport.”
Despite only registering one stoppage in his pro career the Sikh warrior believes that as he steps up the levels his style in the ring will flourish and allow him to showcase his power.
He said, “I’ve got a relentless style, I’ve always fought really tough journeymen, so it’s been really hard to get them out of there, I’ve hurt every single fighter I’ve fought.”
“I’ll be able to break them down mentally and physically, they’re going to come to fight so they’re going to leave openings for me so expect a relentless performance with a lot of skill and controlled aggression.”
