Tom Cowling delivered a remarkable upset by defeating Aaron Bowen in a thrilling contest for the Midlands Area middleweight title. The fight took place at the NEC in Birmingham on March 1, 2024, and was broadcast live on DAZN. Cowling, who entered the ring with a record of 15 wins and 1 loss, overcame the odds to secure a split decision victory over the heavily favored Bowen, a former Commonwealth Games bronze medallist with a record of 7 wins and 1 loss.
The bout started off evenly matched but took an exciting turn when Bowen knocked Cowling down with a powerful right hand in the fifth round. Instead of discouraging him, the knockdown ignited Cowling’s determination. As the rounds progressed, he began to showcase his superior inside fighting skills and busier style, winning several closely contested rounds. Despite suffering a significant cut above his left eye, Cowling pressed on with resilience and focus.
The tension in the arena intensified as the fight approached its conclusion. Although Bowen fought valiantly, he struggled to regain momentum against Cowling’s relentless attacks. Fans erupted in disbelief when the scorecards were announced, with Mark Lyson scoring the fight 96-93 in favor of Bowen, while judges Chris Dean and Marcus McDonnell awarded the match to Cowling with scores of 95-94.
Cowling’s Reaction and Future Aspirations
After the fight, Cowling expressed his gratitude to his supporters and acknowledged the tough competition posed by Bowen. “Respect to Aaron and his team, what a tough man, pleasure to share the ring with you,” Cowling stated. He added, “I believe this is just the beginning, and I’m putting Newark back on the boxing map. All glory to God.”
Cowling’s trainer, Carl Greaves, who has played a crucial role in his development, praised the young fighter’s journey. In a social media post, Greaves reflected on Cowling’s growth since he first met him as a 10-year-old. “I’ve been telling people for years just how good you are. It’s been frustrating at times but finally, when it mattered on the big stage, you produced the goods and made a statement,” he wrote.
Promoter Eddie Hearn expressed interest in arranging a rematch between the two fighters in early 2025, indicating that boxing fans could expect another thrilling encounter. Cowling’s victory not only secured him the title but also established him as a rising star in the sport.
Cowling also took the opportunity to thank several individuals who supported him throughout his training, including his father, Paul Cowling, and Deuk Rae ‘Dundee’ Kim, who assisted in his training camp in Brisbane. His heartfelt acknowledgment extended to all his sponsors, family, and friends, emphasizing that their support was essential to his achievement.
As Cowling celebrates this significant milestone in his career, the boxing community eagerly anticipates his next moves. With his determination and skill, he seems poised for a bright future in the sport.
