WELSH champion Kieran Gething wants a shot at the Commonwealth super-lightweight crown, currently in the possession of veteran southpaw Philip Bowes.

Pontypool’s Gething, 25, locks horns with fellow Golden Contract quarter-finalist Darren Surtees (12-1) in Cardiff on March 14, after which he will be setting his sights on Bowes’ title.

It is almost a year to the day that Bowes (20-3) stopped Tanzanian Benson Nyilawila inside two rounds to claim the vacant Commonwealth strap.

That victory for the Englishman came on the same night Gething (9-2-2) was beating Henry Janes on points in Newport to land the Welsh belt, his maiden professional title.

“It’s possible a fight for the Celtic title could be made after the next one but I’d prefer something bigger, like a fight for an international title or the Commonwealth title,” said Gething.

“Philip Bowes won the Commonwealth title just under a year ago and has defended it once since then.

“The Commonwealth title is something I’d like to go for.”

He added: “I’m looking forward to my next fight, and hopefully I’ll get a shot at a major title after.

“I think MTK are looking to put on some big shows in Wales year and I’d love to be a part of them.”

Before a possible clash with Bowes, Gething must get past County Durham’s Surtees, 25, at the Vale Sports Arena on an MTK Global show which also features St Joseph’s Lance Cooksey.

“We were supposed to fight last year, just after I won the Welsh title in February, but I needed to recover from a couple of injuries I’d picked up,” added Gething on Surtees.

“Darren fought just after me at the Golden Contract and lost to Mohamed Mimoune, who is a former world champion.

“I had a drink with Darren after that show and he’s a nice guy, so I don’t think there will be any needle between us.”

He continued: “I’ve taken a few different steps in terms of my preparation for this fight.

“I’ve moved back in with my mother during the week. I’ve not been kicked out by wife, although she did seem surprisingly receptive to the idea!

“She’s really supportive and said about me going abroad, but I can’t afford to take coaches with me.

“My mum only lives a mile away so I can hop back whenever I want.

“And I’m not sure why, but I’m feeling a bit more pent up for this one, I’ve not really felt like it before.

“Maybe it’s because my last fight was a big opportunity and I didn’t take it, and now I feel I’ve got to take this chance. That could be in the back of my head.”

That last outing for Gething saw him draw with Jeff Ofori in the Golden Contract tournament.

However, referee Kieran McCann, who had the final say on which of the two progressed to the semi-finals, went with Ofori.