Decorated amateur boxer Harris Akbar made a smooth transition to the professional ranks yesterday evening. He featured on the undercard headlined by the Anthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood fight, marking his highly anticipated professional debut.
For those familiar with his amateur career, his first professional fight was keenly awaited. The 26-year-old ultimately navigated it with minimal difficulty, securing a comfortable victory.
As an amateur, Akbar, now 1-0 as a pro, achieved significant success in numerous international tournaments. A major highlight was his gold medal win at the 2022 European Championships.
Having now successfully launched what appears to be a promising professional journey under Queensberry Promotions, the Bradford fighter is focused on maintaining his impressive trajectory.
His performance at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, England, certainly suggests he is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Akbar delivered a controlled and measured display, winning all four rounds against Octavian Gratii, a resilient super-welterweight opponent.
Although he didn`t secure a knockout finish, the technical boxer effectively showcased glimpses of his sharp footwork and refined defensive skills throughout the bout.
Eager to continue his progression without delay, Akbar, who trains at Grant Smith’s Steel City Gym in Sheffield, expects to step back into the ring relatively soon.
Significantly, his next appearance will mark a notable milestone in his boxing career.
“That was my 199th time stepping into the ring, under the lights,” Akbar stated after his points victory yesterday. “I can`t wait for my next one because it will be my 200th.”
He added, “We`ll just have a week off, maybe something like that, and then I`ll be back [in the gym] again.”
Akbar not only possesses considerable potential but also believes his comfort and excitement on big occasions could provide a psychological edge over other developing fighters.
“I don`t feel pressure,” Akbar explained. “People get nervous before their first fight, but I just know I`m born for this – this is where I`m meant to be.”
“I get excited stepping into that ring,” he continued, “and can`t wait to show everyone what I`ve got.”
