Leytonstone boxer Philip ‘Quicksilver’ Bowes says he is a much better fighter now than when he fought for the Southern Area Super Lightweight title.

Bowes has responded superbly, with three straight wins, since he suffered back-to-back title fight defeats against Johnny Coyle and Joe Hughes and he is now looking to challenge again.

He said: “I think I am a better fighter now because of those defeats. Before the losses I thought I was unbeatable and that I could do whatever I wanted in the ring and fight how I wanted to fight.

“I had to learn the hard way. It strengthened my character and now I know I cannot take anything for granted. It has made me a better more disciplined fighter.”

The 31-year-old notched his third successive win since that double title heartbreak as he beat the Croatian Ivo Gogosevic in eye-catching style in London.

He said: “People were telling me how difficult an opponent he was going to be, that he was tough and awkward, but I didn’t have any problems. It was a routine performance.”

Bowes even put his opponent through the ropes on his way to an impressive points-win in the six-rounder at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

He fought on the front foot and his powerful jab and hooks to the body and head gave his opponent plenty of trouble.

The Croat was saved by the bell in the third round but stayed in there for another three rounds before Bowes could celebrate a 60-53 points victory.

Bowes said: “I was very pleased. It was a good performance. I knocked him out of the ring in the third round and he went through the ropes.”

Bowes is now set to return to the ring again on June 4 as he continues to prepare for and hunt down that elusive Southern Area title which he hopes to get another shot at and make it third time lucky this year.

He said: “I want to get my hands on that title and I’m hoping to do it by the end of the year. Me lifting that would be a big step forward and a big statement.

“The fire is burning more now and I want to prove the doubters wrong. There was never any question of me quitting when I lost those fights. I couldn’t quit then because I haven’t achieved anything in the fight game.”

He is now training out of Limehouse Marina gym with a batch of good fighters and feels he is on course again.

He said: “My last fights show I am transferring my skills from training to the real thing now. I am showing a different side to my game now. I want that Southern Area title by the end of the year and hopefully that will be a stepping stone for me.”