Punch perfect Rafferty brothers turn on the style at Bowlers

Jack Rafferty celebrates his Commonwealth Super Lightweight title victory. Images courtesy of Karen Priestley

Shaw boxing brothers Jack and Thomas Rafferty proved they’re at the top of their game as they both won their respective bouts at Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Trafford Park.

Jack Rafferty executed a clinical first round knockout of Rotherham’s Lee Appleyard to become the Commonwealth Super Lightweight champion in a contest that was also a British title eliminator.

"This win is the culmination of years of hard work, hard training and complete determination," said Jack.

"I went in hard straightaway, caught Lee off guard and dropped him.

"Afterwards I invited him upstairs to share burgers.

"I’ve absolutely proved that I deserve my place at the top of the UK super lightweight division.

"Everything is possible now so in 2024 I’m planning to be boxing at Manchester Arena or maybe the O2 and getting a television contract."

Twenty-eight-year-old Jack is now undefeated in 22 professional bouts and the recent victory has seen his ranking improve to 15th out of 113 super lightweight British boxers and indeed 178th out of over 2,000 worldwide.

Jack and his brother (pictured above at Bowlers) train at ‘The Finest Boxing Gym’ in Ancoats, coached by Steve Maylett.

Thomas obtained a points victory in an exciting six-rounder against entertaining Mexican Fernando Valencia, which leaves him undefeated in ten professional contests.

"I’m so proud that Jack is the champion and I’ve hopefully now shown I’m a serious contender for area titles in what will be a busy 2024," he said.

"For now we’re now going to have a lovely family Christmas."

Organised by Pat Barrett’s Black Flash Promotions, the Bowlers show was their 10th anniversary event and saw victories for other Greater Manchester boxers including Ryszard Lewicki and George Killeen, with Lewis Wood beating Liverpool’s John Edwardson to take the British central area super featherweight title in an explosive 10-round bout.

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