Born in London, Colin Powers made his professional debut in June 1975 with a win over Kevin Quinn.
Powers was unbeaten in the next year, beating Joey Singleton, Clinton McKenzie and Efisio Pinna, leading to a fight against Morrison for the vacant British light welterweight title at the York Hall in October 1977.
Powers successfully defended the British title against Chris Walker in February 1978 and in June that year fought Jean-Baptiste Piedvache for the European title at the Palais des Sports in Paris;[1] Powers stopped Piedvache in the eleventh round to become European champion.
[2] Powers defended the title three months later against Fernando Sánchez, losing after being stopped in the tenth.
Having relinquished the British title to pursue higher honours, in February 1979 he regained it from Clinton McKenzie, taking a points decision.