Gurung looking to be the best as he prepares to defend his title

THE MIDLAND BOXING BEAT WITH MIKE LOCKLEY

- 

Minaaz Gurung (Picture: Aidan Hewitt) Conor Baker (Manjit Narotra/BCB)

MINAAZ Gurung, a Nepalese bundle of fighting fury, is set defend his Midlands super-lightweight title fight against Tipton's Conor Baker.

The unbeaten pair - Minaaz has won six, Baker seven - are scheduled to meet on promoter Scott Murray's big show at Chase Leisure Centre, Cannock, on February 7. I understand contracts are yet to be signed, but both camps are happy with the terms.

It's a 10 rounder with some history. Gurung, from Nuneaton, but born in Nepal, was to have faced Baker in September for the vacant belt at the same venue.

Baker pulled out and his place was taken by late sub Joe Underwood Hughes. Minaaz gained the title with an electrifying eighth round stoppage.

"I have to give credit to Hughes," Gurung said, "he stepped up and moved up a weight. I don't think there's a super-lightweight hungrier than the geezer I boxed against."

Gurung, part of Lee Spare's successful gym, is a work in progress, there are still rough edges to be smoothed. He's exciting, loves a tear-up and is now hitting with real power.

"I told you from the start as soon as I'm in there with fighters prepare to come forward and take the shots, you'll see the stoppages," he said.

"I still don't feel I can say I'm the best in the Midlands because I've only fought for the title once. I need wins over unbeaten lads, I need to face more good lads.

"The improvements are always coming, I'm still a student of the game. It doesn't matter what level I'm at, I'll always think there is so much more to improve on.