Tom Cowling is targeting a title by the end of the year after making a winning return to the ring.
The Newark boxer stepped between the ropes after 12 months on the sidelines on Saturday night, securing a commanding points win over Poland’s Tomasz Felz.
Giving away a clear size advantage didn’t phase the 27-year-old as he was awarded a 60-54 victory after stepping up to super-middleweight.
“We’re going to look an eight rounder next, maybe in June,” said promoter Carl Greaves, who believes Cowling could be looking at a big year ahead.
“Then we’re going to go for the Midlands-area title and then either a defence or go for the English (title).
“I’ve got a bit of a plan mapped out for him and hopefully it comes together.
“Tom’s a great talent and people haven’t seen the best of him yet. I know what he’s capable of, he hits very hard and he’s a solid fighter.”
While Cowling was dominant in Saturday night’s display at Newark Showground, Greaves believes there is plenty more in his locker.
“With Tom, getting back in that ring was the important thing after a year out and he needed to shed some rust,” he explained.
“He didn’t really get out of second gear and his timing was a little out, but that’ll all come back.
“I’m really pleased he was back in there and he fought an opponent who came to win, who was a size above him as well.
“He gave a bit of size away but won every round, controlled it, didn’t take any risks and got his hand raised - which was the important thing at the end of the day.”
Cowling’s was one of 11 bouts on the Night of the Prospects card, where Greaves showcased some of the top upcoming talent from the region and beyond.
Commonwealth and European champ Johanna Wanyou earned her 10th career win with a 60-54 success against Kira Carter while there were victories for Boston’s Tom Pogson, who defeated ex-MMA fighter Marcin Prostko 60-54, Lincoln’s Jamie Behan, a 60-54 success against Jenson Irving, and Scunthorpe fighter James Richardson, securing his first career stoppage against Jake Bray.
Billy Scott (Clipstone) defeated Latvian Edgars Sniedeze 40-35, Owen Edwards (Doncaster) beat Jordan Grannum, Ryan Williams (Peterborough), made his pro debut with a 40-36 success against Mancunian Harley Marginson and Ireland’s paddy Walsh beat Doncastrian Jake Smith 40-36.
“It was an absolutely brilliant night. A huge success,” the promoter said.
“There were some cracking fights and it was a value for money show and the fights were very competitive.
“A lot of these lads are rookie pros just starting out. Amateur and professional boxing, its the same sport but completely different styles and you have to adapt some times.
“But I’m really pleased with the stable I’ve got.”
Although fellow Newark fighter Connor Meanwell was edged out 37-40 by Dudley’s Marco Simmonds and Boston’s Harvey Elding drew 57-57 with with Caine Singh, from Middlesbrough, Greaves was impressed with what he saw.
“Harvey’s only young and he went in a competitive fight and Connor went in with a live opponent in a 50-50 fight and came up just short - them two were probably the fights of the night, both toe-to-toe,” Greaves said.
“Both gave everything, gave as good as they got. They were excellent value for money.”
