Sid Bowater is feeling just champion

Undefeated Bowater scored a four-round points landslide against one-time area boss Kevin McCauley in his third professional contest,

The 26-year-old welterweight featured on Tommy Owens' latest show in the Holte Suite at Aston Villa Football Club.

Grizzled veteran McCauley, aged 37, held the Midlands belt in 2010 and has completed 148 paid bouts. He's been described by boxing legend Ricky Hatton as a "perfect learning fight."

Bowater can attest to that adage and stuck to his own game against the rarely-stopped stalwart and had to work to record a flawless victory. Referee Kevin Parker scored the contest 40-36.

Bowater said: "I felt comfortable in there, but I had to have my wits about me. Kevin is a great campaigner and knows all of the tricks.

"I hit him with everything, body and head. They weren't shots he would expect, either, as I varied my work as much as I could.

"Every round, I looked to try and do something different, but blows would just bounce off him. He takes the punishment and then challenge you to attack again.

"I kept my cool and concentrated on what I was doing, because he wants you to go in gung ho and make silly mistakes. He'll throw punches back at you, too.

"What Hatton called him is absolutely true! It was a great experience for me. He's a step up, really, so to get that in my third fight shows I'm reaching a level."

Bowater added the success to a first stoppage of Dwayne Sheldon and a debut points win over Ali Wyatt, since turning over in April 2015.

He's managed by Kellie Maloney, who is looking to get him into the title picture by the start of 2018 after regular ring action.

Bowater said: "All I've ever wanted to do is be busy and I want to fight again in December, then enjoy my Christmas and be back out by the end of March.

"We're looking at getting five in next year which, if I do the business, will take me to 8-0. I'll be looking at belts after that."