 After building up a record of 16 wins and 3 defeats, Downes won the British middleweight title, vacated by Pat McAteer's retirement, by beating Phil Edwards on 30 September 1958 at the Harringay Arena, London.In 1959, Downes lost and won back the title from John "Cowboy" McCormack.On 5 July 1960, Downes successfully defended the title against Edwards again.