Amaar produces stylish display to win national title

Amaar Akbar receives instructions from father and trainer Zahir at the England Boxing Junior Development national final in Rotherham.

Boxing out of the Warrior Breed gym, Amaar’s journey began in September when he defeated Waqas Rouf, of Wakefield’s White Rose Club, in the Yorkshire Championship final.

The 15-year-old Mirfield Free Grammar student travelled to face other regional representatives on a weekly basis, with Amaar winning four consecutive bouts within a month to reach the finals.

With his father and head coach of Warrior Breed, Zahir Akbar, in his corner, Amaar’s demeanour remained calm and focused against Caulay Suttie of Thames Valley.

Amaar scored a standing eight count and then forced Suttie to touch the canvas with a textbook right hand.

The remaining two rounds comprised of Akbar catching Suttie with repeated check hooks before landing a tremendous counter right hand, which led to a third count and shortly after Amaar’s hand was raised to give him the 10th win of his career.

Speaking after his title win, Amaar said: “It’s a pleasure to represent Yorkshire and the North and I don’t want to stop here. We’ve got to stay humble as we come to the end of one road to continue our journey on another.”

The Warrior Breed gym, now holding a 90 per cent win ratio this season, has also had success with Hamza Urfan, who travels to training from Keighley, reaching the national semi-finals.

Raheem Mustakeem fell agonisingly short in the Yorkshire finals losing in a split decision against Taylor Watkins of Highfields boxing gym.

Zahir Akbar commented on the progress of Warrior Breed Boxing and Fitness, saying: “We’ve only been affiliated for a year but things are moving fast and the Warrior Breed family has grown this season.

“Somnior Beds and Global Components are assisting with sponsorship for which we are grateful and we also have some great volunteers helping us.”

Warrior Breed boxing welcome newcomers to training under the guidance of head coach Zahir Akbar and assistants G Ayub, Kadir Khan, Muhammad Ali and Naeem Ayaz and Adam Bham.

Injured boxer Hamza Akbar, Amaar’s older brother, has taken position as youth development coaches with a focus on developing the team’s Little Warriors from the age of six upwards.

The gym is based at 144 Bradford road, Dewsbury, WF13 2HA and further information is available from Zahir on 07403 177210.