Harris Akbar eager to prove he is GB Boxing’s best of the best at 71kg at European Elite Championships

The GB fighter was paired with the man who would go on to win the title in the first round of the AIBA world championships in November.

Now as one 14 GB boxers based at Sheffield’s English Institute of Sport selected for the EUBC European Men’s Elite Boxing Championships, in Yerevan, Armenia, he hopes to stay for the duration of a tournament that gets underway today and runs to May 31.

The 23-year-old succumbed to Yurii Zakharieiev in the first round in Belgrade in November but has vowed to settle the scores with the Ukranian if they meet again in Armenia over the coming 11 days.

“I was out there to get experience, to get used to the big stage,” said Akbar, who has been on the GB programme for the last four years.

“I felt as though I did, it was just unfortunate I was up against the man who went on to become world champion.

“I got caught with a couple of stupid shots I shouldn’t have.

“I’ve fixed a couple of mistakes and it was a very good learning fight for me, so if I meet him again, which I may have to if I want to win the Europeans, then I’ll be ready.

“I won’t let him beat me a second time.”

Akbar has continued his development under the gaze of the GB coaches in Sheffield, earning ‘fighter of the tournament’ at a recent overseas trip.

He has also got the edge over fellow Yorkshireman Harvey Lambert of Hull, who is another boxer vying for the GB vest in the 71kg category at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Lambert has had an injury and Akbar’s recent performances have earned him the chance to further his claims by winning a continental title.

“Harvey’s been injured so I’ve got the nod,” said Akbar of a good-natured rival. “Hopefully I can make the spot my own.”

“I need to show the coaches that I’m the best of the best at that weight.”