Bowater brothers keeping it all in the family
Brothers Des and Sid Bowater are keeping it all in the family as they prepare to box together on a professional bill for the first time at Walsall Town Hall.
The duo from Wednesfield are inseparable, working on the same building site and training out of the same gym, and will step through the ropes next Friday night.
Des has already been a pro for a year and hopes to put on a five-star show at super featherweight, the 22-year-old recording four straight victories since turning over.
Older sibling Sid, 23, will lace up the gloves again after a break from the sport and enters paid pugilism as a welterweight, with both pitted against experienced adversaries.
Kristian Laight is approaching his 200th pro contest as he prepares to take on Des while Sid will tackle Matt Seawright, now a centurion after reaching the milestone in March.
Des is pleased he's not the only Bowater boxing any more, saying: "It's great that Sid is trying his hand. We work together, train together and now we will be fighting together.
"It helps having Sid with me. We pick each other up and get each other through. It's great to have a guaranteed sparring partner, too.
"He's heavier than me, so it's good for me to be up against someone with his power and I give him a different test to what a welterweight would."
Sid admitted watching his brother in the pro game inspired him to come back to boxing, saying: "I have seen what Des has done and I want a bit of the action.
"He's looked really good since turning pro and, watching him from ringside, has spurred me on to give it a go. He pushes me on.
"If I am not in the mood to train, he will drive me forward and vice versa. We are both ambitious and want what's best for each other.
"We are more than just brothers, we are best mates. I had a good amateur career but fell out of love with the sport a couple of years ago.
"I felt I lost fights I should have won and wasn't getting the decisions, so I walked away. Watching Des fight has made me see what I have been missing, though.
"I think I will be more suited to the professional game."
Tickets, priced at £30 and £60 ringside, are available from the Town Hall Box Office on 0845 111 2900. The after-show party is at the Pitch Sports Bar and Grill, on Bridge Street in Walsall.
The show will also be aired live and exclusive on BBC WM's DAB Digital Radio Service and online.
