Bunny Sterling vs. Mark Rowe (1st meeting)

Bunny Sterling 159 lbs beat Mark Rowe 157 lbs by TKO in round 4 of 15

• Date: 1970-09-08
• Location: Empire Pool, Wembley, London, United Kingdom
• Referee: Wally Thom

"Jamaican-born Bunny Sterling caused a major upset when he stopped Britain's Mark Rowe after 4 rounds to take the British and Commonwealth middleweight titles last night. Referee Wally Thom stopped the fight after Rowe suffered bad cuts over both eyes. Sterling took the initiative from the start and Rowe, known as a slow-starter, was in real trouble from the 3rd round as Sterling changed his tactics, boxing at close quarters. Almost immediately Rowe was cut and as blood streamed down his face he could only throw punches blindly. Mr. Thom examined the eye and allowed Rowe to continue. But in the 4th round Sterling was even more aggressive, and Rowe was cut again, this time over the left eye. Rowe continued desperately, with blood streaming down his face, but at the end of the round Mr. Thom signalled the bout was over." - The Kingston Gleaner

• It was reported after the bout that Rowe was offered a rematch with Sterling. However, they would not meet again for another 3 years.