IT was good to see Amir Abubaker back on British soil and doing what he does best – demolishing the opposition.
On Anthony Manning’s Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, bill, Amir mowed down Estonian Dmitri Protkunas at 43 seconds of the second of a scheduled six rounder.
In truth, it was very much an easing back exercise for Abubaker, who owns barbers’ shops in Coventry.
Going into it, Protkunas had won 10 of 43 (one draw), but has mixed it with decent domestic opposition.
Abubaker, aged 26, simply blew him away. He has now won 11 of 12 contests – all but three of the victories coming inside distance.
His sole loss came in his biggest test. Last July, Carl Fail stopped him the Iraq born boxer in eight for the Midlands light-middleweight title.
He came back from that setback with a third round blast out of Kenyan Ariembi Isalah Odhiambo in Dubai.
Manager Anthony Manning said: “Amir is ready for the English title. He has had to rebuild himself after suffering a defeat, but he’s back at that level.
“He’s shown some good improvement and learned something from other people while he’s been travelling. Let’s see if any of the other lads out there want to test him. If there’s an opportunity at middle we’ll take it, but I’d prefer him at light-middle.
“Amir’s a man who dares to be great and he’d be prepared to test himself at middle, light-middle or welter.”
Interestingly, Manning’s bill was a rarity – a pro-am show, with his professionals featuring in three fights.
“It worked really well,” Manning said, “the feedback we’ve received has been excellent.”
