Before becoming a boxer, Bowie played professional rugby league football in Australia for the Penrith Panthers in the under 21s.
Tupou wife was the first person to suggest boxing as a sport, to help get him back on track and install some discipline in his life.
Six months later on a rematch with Fitzgerald, Tupou picked up the lightly regarded New South Wales Heavyweight title.
In 2009 he was KOd by club fighter Demetrice King but a 2011 KO of Manuel Quezada and a points win over Donnell Holmes have restored some credibility.
Tupou had his last regional title shot against the tallest boxer in the world, New Zealand American Julius Long.