Dewsbury’s Amaar “Showtime” Akbar has once again become Yorkshire Champion and begins preparations for the National pre-quarter stages of the Junior Championships.
Akbar, 15, having moved up from the Junior Development category and also in weight, overcame adversity to face Leeds-based Harry Fryer in the Yorkshire final.
With a record of over 30 victories and few losses, Fryer, having previously won the Hull Box Cup, English and GB Championships, was viewed as a hot favourite to win the Championships for the second year running.
However, in a captivating and almost flawless performance, Akbar controlled the opening round with a sharp and well-timed jab, forcing Fryer to box defensively as Akbar mounted the pressure.
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Fryer struggled to build momentum and Akbar, using his strength, began to open up with bursts of combinations.
In the final round, a de-motivated Fryer attempted one last barrage but was wrestled back to the ropes as Akbar finished strongly through to the final bell.
After spending some time with the Akbars during the pre-championships training camp, professional boxing coach Chris Aston, from Huddersfield, the father and trainer of Huddersfield’s British Champion Tyrone Nurse, joined the team in Sheffield to watch the Mirfield Free Grammar student perform.
As Akbar left the ring, Aston expressed his pride in what he’d seen, referring to the performance as a “masterclass”.
At Akbar’s side, father and trainer Zahir Akbar thanked the team, the sponsors and the Warrior Breed club’s host of fans, saying: “There really aren’t many amateur boxing gyms out there who receive this kind of support.
“They’re our town and our family and, with them at our side, they’re making it feel as though we’re winning world titles.
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“From a competitive perspective, it is in a sense our version of a world championship bout – with every fight we’re climbing higher and higher than we’ve ever been.”
Akbar, who will now represent the Yorkshire team, said: “I’m just grateful for everything.
“This makes me a two-time Yorkshire Champion and with dedication I can become a two-time National Champion.
“Sometimes, with all the school commitments and training, it’s hard give back and let people know what their support means.
“We’re a boxing town and the people are supporting me in what I do. I guess the best I can do right now is put my heart into what I do and continue flying the flag for Dewsbury.”
Akbar added: “I don’t want to get too ahead of myself, but after the championships there is talk of a home show.
“It’ll be amazing to perform in front of the Warrior Breed family in our home town.”
In the National pre-quarter finals, Akbar will be up against regional champions from either Mersyside & Cheshire or Tyne, Tees and Wear.
