Staying Ready Pays Off For McGowan Ahead Of Euro Title Shot

Abass Baraou will make the first defense of his European super welterweight title against Macaulay McGowan on Friday June 14. The fight will be promoted by Wasserman and televised by Channel 5.

The world ranked Baraou, 15-1 (9 KOs), won the vacant belt in March, battling his way to a majority decision over Sam Eggington. The well-traveled German fighter’s technical ability has never been in question but he showed a different side to his game against Eggington, matching the former EBU welterweight champion for heart and grit.

McGowan, 20-4-2 (5 KOs), has stayed busy and racked up three victories since losing a close split decision to current EBU middleweight champion, Tyler Denny, last May.

The 29 year old from Wythenshawe has rebounded well from a difficult spell in his career which saw him lose three fights in succession. A streak which culminated in a defeat to middleweight legend, Sergio Martinez.

Earlier this year, McGowan told BoxingScene that rather than idly waiting around and then jumping at the first difficult, short notice fight he was offered, he was going to stay in the gym, take low profile fights and ensure that he would be ready to take the next opportunity that presented itself. The tactic has paid off and McGowan gets the chance to fight for the prestigious title in front of his home supporters.