'The measure of a man
is not in the number of years he has lived.
It is in the way he has lived them'.
John
Richard Owens was the fourth child born into a working
class family of eight children in the South Wales valleys
town of Merthyr Tydfil. As a child John was quiet, shy, kind,
unassuming and generous - not characteristics normally
associated with most boxers. However, these traits he carried
forward to his adult life. He never changed; success did not
change him. He was a champion in the truest sense of the word,
both a champion boxer and a champion amongst men. His appearance
and character were in total contrast to what he would become
once he had stepped inside the ropes of a boxing ring. For once
inside the ring he was a formidable opponent with determination
and strength that seemingly were impossible to summon from such
a frail looking body.
Johnny Owen's
style was one of perpetual motion coupled with skill and
knowledge of the noble art. Unlike his hero, Jimmy Wilde,
he was not a big puncher but would wear opponents down,
smothering their best work while putting in his own solid
shots from the first bell to the last. His thin, wiry,
almost skeletal frame led to him being called 'The
Matchstick Man'. He was also referred to as 'The Bionic
Bantam' due to his dedication to training and his relentless
pursuit of opponents. 'The Bionic Skeleton' was also another
nickname which described both his skeletal frame and
astonishing stamina.
During
his school years, (he began boxing at the age of eight),
unbeknown to his schoolmates he was quietly making
a name for
himself in Welsh amateur boxing circles. He did not excel
academically or on the sports field but in the local boxing
gymnasium he was becoming somewhat of
an enigma. Quiet and reserved outside of the boxing ring but a
determined and fierce exponent within it. In a distinguished amateur
career John had 124 contests, wining 106. He represented Wales on 17
occasions, winning 15. Fiercely proud of being
Welsh, even though he went on to become Welsh, British, Commonwealth
and European Champion he always took greatest pride in the fact that
as an amateur he had
represented his country and as a professional he had won the Welsh
bantamweight title.
His
arrival on the professional scene was assured when in his first
professional bout (Sept.30th 1976) he defeated the no.3 contender
for the British bantamweight title, George Sutton, of Cardiff. A win
he was to repeat in his sixth contest thereby, securing the coveted
Welsh Bantamweight Title. After only 9 fights, and with a growing
reputation as a dedicated, tenacious boxer of unparalleled stamina,
Johnny Owen seized the British Bantamweight Title from seasoned pro,
Paddy Maguire with an 11th round stoppage in a bruising contest. A
Welsh boxer had not held the British Bantamweight Title for 64 years
and a Welsh boxer had never held the Commonwealth Bantamweight
Title, which was the next target........
read The Ring report
The
opportunity arose in November 1978 - with a record of 15 wins
& 1 draw to date - against world rated Australian, Paul Ferreri. An
accomplished and skilful boxer with a considerable pedigree, Ferreri
had fought at the highest level and was thought to be too
experienced and knowledgeable for the relatively inexperienced Owen.
In a gripping contest of skill from both boxers with Johnny pursuing
his usual 'in yer face at all times' style the fight went the full
distance of 15 rounds. In a clear decision Johnny Owen was declared
the new Commonwealth Bantamweight Champion. read
The Ring report
Just
four months later, with his dedicated army of followers from
the valleys, Johnny went to Almeria, Spain to challenge Spaniard
Juan Francisco Rodriguez for the latter's European Bantamweight
title. In his first fight on foreign
soil the
Welshman completely out boxed the title holder for 15 rounds- and
LOST !! It was a shameful hometown decision the like of which
discredits the good name of boxing. His first loss hurt, not least
because of the manner in which it occurred, but Johnny came
through the episode with dignity and his resilience and self-belief
intact. read
The Ring report
Going on to record 7 straight wins after
the Spanish fiasco, the European title dream was back on when
Rodriguez was brought over to Wales to defend his title, almost
a year later. The fight again went the distance, however , this
time there would be no controversy surrounding the decision.
Rodriguez was out boxed yet again and Johnny Owen was rightfully
proclaimed Bantamweight Champion of Europe. read
The Ring report
Before the fateful challenge for Lupe
Pintor's World Bantamweight Title, Johnny Owen had secured a
Lonsdale Belt outright and was the holder of the Welsh, British,
Commonwealth and European titles with a record of 25 wins, 1
loss & 1draw. He wanted that World
title and who was to say that he wouldn't get it. He had
overcome all manner of obstacles and defied the odds not just in his
boxing career but all his life. Yes, he was still shy, modest,
unassuming, skinny and with looks that were deemed not to be
conventional but in his heart he was a man of beauty. And inside the
ring he was accomplished, skillful and relentless with an
indomitable fighting spirit. Sadly it was not to be......
After 9 rounds Johnny was ahead on points although the 10th and 11th
rounds had seen Pintor's heavier blows take effect before Johnny was
knocked out in the 12th round. read
The Ring report
The date was 19th September 1980; Johnny was
taken from the ring to a Los Angeles hospital where he lay in a
coma fighting for his life until 4th November 1980 when he lost his
last battle. He was 24 years old. During his short life John Richard
Owens had achieved so much but more importantly he had touched so
many peoples hearts. Everyone loved him - the young admired him and
wanted to emulate his achievements, for here was a true role model.
The older generation loved him for his throwback style and
impeccable characteristics. Everything he ever did was for his
family, friends and Wales.
read The
Ring
report, re: WBC 'insurance program'
Gwîr Fab O Gymru -
True Son of Wales
The
ensuing years have seen numerous articles written about Johnny Owen
with the phrase 'tragic Johnny Owen' featuring in almost all
of them. There was nothing tragic about Johnny Owen, he died doing
what he loved - boxing;
fighting to achieve the ultimate pinnacle in his sport. To become
World Champion. The only tragedy is that he did not accomplish his
goal. The real tragedy is
ours, those of us he has left behind whose lives for all too short a
time he touched.
|
|