Bowen and Coleman serve-up a cracker!
Bowen sinks in a body shot on way to win. Pic: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
YOUTH was served as crowd-pleaser Aaron Bowen won the battle for Midlands bragging rights.
On Matchroom’s Sheffield’s Utilita Arena Saturday show, Coventry’s flame haired fighter proved too big, strong and fresh for warrior Troy Coleman, forcing a ninth round stoppage.
It was a typical tear-up from two men who have made thrilling contests their trademark. And for 27-year-old Bowen it was the perfect pick-me-up following his first pro loss: last November Aaron was narrowly outpointed by Tom Cowling for the Midlands belt.
Coleman, from Burntwood, will continue, but admitted his future may lie at light-middle (11st). Bowen looked much the bigger man and I was again left pondering how he squeezes his frame into the middleweight limit.
Some critics may pick faults with the former Commonwealth bronze medallist’s technique, but one thing cannot be denied – he’s exciting to watch. The lad simply loves a tear-up – Bowen has some bottle. He also has a huge fanbase who turned the arena’s interior sky blue.
Coleman, aged 31, is cut from the same cloth, digging deep as Bowen unloaded. Troy, taking part in his 21st fight, was hurt in the seventh and eight, but refused to buckle.
Midway through the ninth a big right hand rocked him against the ropes and referee Mark Lyson stepped in at one minute 41 seconds of the round.
Coleman protested, but sometimes boxers as brave as Troy have to be saved from themselves.
When the dust had settled, Bowen’s trainer Shiney Singh posted: “Aaron landed hard and heavy shots as the rounds went on and credit to Troy who tried to battle until the end. Thank you to all those who came and supported Aaron, either in the arena or from home - it doesn’t go unnoticed.
“Ready to kick back on to deliver some more memorable nights for Coventry. We’re back on the KO train.”
Bowen, a man of few words, said simply: “Earned my fry-up, I think.”
“It was good in a way,” Coleman said ruefully, “but I do think I want to explore 154lbs (11st) – I feel the last two lads (I faced) were very big lads.
“I think I was too comfortable getting hit – you get marked up. There were a couple of body shots I did feel, but you do your thing and get through it.”
Troy contests the stoppage, though few back his argument: the referee’s intervention appeared well timed. “I thought in the last round I had a lot to offer. I was fresh and thinking about the time left in the fight. He landed that nice right hand, it snapped my head back, I pivoted off the ropes, had my hands up and the ref called it off.”
Retirement is not a consideration, Coleman vowed. “With the messages I’ve had and how I’m feeling, I don’t want to stop – that’s not an option. Maybe move down to 154lb. I don’t want to keep losing, I want to see what’s out there – I feel I have loads more to give, I feel I’ve not shown everything.”
He added: “I just love to fight.”
That’s something he and Bowen have in common.