Philip Bowes has landed a dream Commonwealth title shot
Leytonstone’s Philip Bowes (18-3) will hit the ground running in 2019 with a challenge for the Commonwealth super-lightweight title on February 2.
'Quicksilver' Bowes will take on Tanzania’s Benson Nyilawila (10-1) for the prestigious belt in a bout which will take place on London promoter Mickey Helliet’s 101st boxing show at the famous York Hall, Bethnal Green.
Londoner Bowes has won nine of his last 10 bouts, the only blemish on his recent record coming at the hands of Glenn Foot when challenging for the English championship in May 2017. The forthcoming title fight will be his fourth attempt at claiming silverware, having lost out on the Southern Area title twice and the aforementioned English championship, all at 140lbs.
A standout amateur, Bowes represented Jamaica in the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games while boxing for Bethnal Green’s renowned Repton Boxing Club. His professional tally currently stands at 18 wins from 21 fights and he gets his latest title shot after outpointing South African Vusumzi Tyatyeka in a hard-fought Eliminator contest last February.
Bowes said, “I’ve worked so hard for so long, being made Mandatory Contender for the Commonwealth title after beating Tyatyeka gave me a real lift. I have to be realistic and understand that an opportunity like this might not present itself again so I’ll be seizing it with both hands. I know I’ll have a lot of support on the night and I won’t be letting anybody down. I’ll be coming home to Leytonstone with a Commonwealth Title belt!
21-year-old Nyilawila has won 10 of his 11 fights, with six knock-outs and presents a stern challenge for the Leytonstonian from the away corner. The East African went to Germany last November off the back of three straight knock out wins but was outpointed by unbeaten Kosovan-born German Sherif Morina.
Philip Bowes, a 34-year-old left hander, is the latest success story to emerge from Helliet’s popular ‘Hellraiser Boxing’ shows. Darryll Williams, Asinia Byfield and Robin Dupre have also broken through in the last 12 months to fight for titles on major televised events after serving their apprenticeships on Helliet’s small-hall shows. Helliet describes his shows as “a proven pathway to big fights” and his next line -up includes a host of fighters who are looking to break through.
The undercard currently features 17 bouts including unbeaten Loughton super-feather Daniel Khan, West Brompton’s Sohail Ahmad, and West ham’s Frank Arnold, while Ilford’s Jordan Blake and Harlow’s Michael Ibrahim make their pro debuts.
For tickets contact Philip Bowes on 07944 114 401 or Mickey Helliet on 0784 3636 920.