Dewsbury boxer Amaar Akbar hopes working with American legend can take him to next level

Akbar is being coached and guided by the Hall of Fame, two-times world champion and famed trainer James ‘Buddy’ McGirt.

The Dewsbury man talks about how it feels the right time for him to step it up a level as he moves into his next bout.

He will be boxing on December 12 in Sheffield in what is scheduled to be his first eight-round fight that he hopes will be another stepping stone on the way to make a good run for titles in the new year.

Akbar, a two-times national amateur boxing champion and now unbeaten professional with a 9-0 record, feels he is living his dream by going out to the States and training with the Hall of Fame coach and another huge legend of the sport in Roy Jones Jr.

"I have always watched boxing since a child and wanted to one day visit America and see what it's all about," he said.

Amaar talks about how he has now made the decision to to put everything on the line and get out of his comfort zone. Boxing out of the Warrior Breed Boxing Club in Dewsbury and being guided by his coach, and father, Zahir Akbar, he feels it is the right time to make this move.

“Even after all these years of boxing I am still learning and developing as a boxer and remain optimistic about the future,” he added.

"I’ve been boxing since a kid and it's not always been a smooth ride, however I am determined to work hard and keep focussed.

“I am grateful to my local promoter Izzy Asif and GBM Sports who have kept me busy since signing with them and hope I can go all the way with their backing.

"I’m always proud to represent Dewsbury, Batley and the surrounding areas. And I am forever grateful to all the fans and wellwishers from the local community.”

Amaar also wants to give a special mention to his sponsors who have made his trip to the USA possible: Shimlas, NYK Crispy, Phat Spuds Batley, Inspire Capital Sports, Next Divan, Whitegates Dewsbury and Stuart & Miller Solicitors.