Bowyn ‘Boman’ Morgan is one of New Zealand’s best boxers, being the current WBU Welterweight World Champion and holding a record of 21-1-0 with 11 KO’s.

Born in Waihi, in the Hauraki District, Bowyn Morgan now calls Christchurch his hometown.

Morgan, 31, won the vacant WBU Welterweight world title in May 2019 with a TKO victory over Jack Asis in Christchurch. He successfully defended the title last October with an absolute whitewash of Nelson Tipanmay, winning by second-round TKO.

Next up, he has undoubtedly the toughest test of his career, in the form of pugnacious Japanese American boxer Charles Bellamy, a man with 18 KO’s on his record who has faced some of the world’s best.

The two fighters match up fairly well on paper; Morgan being the taller man at 177cm to Bellamy’s 170cm, whereas Bellamy will enjoy a 14cm reach advantage (stats according to Boxrec). Bellamy is coming off a decision loss to Yuto Shimizo in June 2019, and at 38 years old will be aiming to prove he’s still amongst the best in the world.

For Morgan, however, this is the perfect chance to cement his place in the ranks of the world’s elite at Welterweight, by taking out an experienced veteran in Charles Bellamy.

Fight News’ Harry Greenfield caught up with Bowyn in the leadup to his second WBU title defence.

Hi Bowyn. You are one of New Zealand’s most successful boxers. What advice do you have for any young aspiring Kiwi fighters?

“My advice would be to be very clear with what you want out of the sport. You will really find out who you are as a person by the time you have finished.”

Was winning the WBU world title your most satisfying victory?

“I have had some great wins in my career but winning that title in my home-town in front of family and friends with such an atmosphere; I would have to say yes, this was.”

You work at a boxing fitness gym – One More Round – is this your full-time job in addition to being a professional fighter?

“I am a trainer at 1 More Round boxing fitness centre. I am very lucky to have this place as it goes hand in hand with my boxing.”

What was it that led you to become a professional fighter?

“So, after I competed at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, I had to make a decision. Stay amateur for two more years and try make the Olympics or go professional. I was already 25 at the time so time wasn’t on my side. I wanted to test myself in the pro ranks and become world champion.”

You starched Nelson Tipanmay in October last year in your first defence of your WBU World title. What is on your radar in 2020?

“Fighting Nelson ended in a big anti-climax for me. I trained the house down and was ready for a big title defence, then he quit on me in two rounds; that’s just my take on the fight.”

You are slated to fight Charles Bellamy in Christchurch for the IBF Pan Pac title. What is your take on Bellamy’s style?

“Charles is strong with a high KO percentage and a great record: 28-4-2 with 18 KO’s. One of those losses coming from world champion Jermall Charlo. This fight will give me everything I need and more, to prove I belong in the world top 15.”

Thanks for the interview, Bowyn. All the best for your title defence!

You can follow Bowyn on his athlete Facebook page. Stay tuned to Fight News for more updates and coverage of his title fight in March.

Who else is on your hit list in 2020?

Firstly, I need to beat Charles then we defend the title, once achieved we are in very good position for a huge fight which could be anyone in the top 10.

Thanks for taking the time, Bowyn.

You can follow Bowyn on his athlete Facebook page. Stay tuned to Fight News for updates and coverage of his fight in the coming months.