The 4th of November 2010 marked the 30 year anniversary of the death of Johnny Owen. The former Welsh, British, European and Commonwealth Bantamweight Champion tragically died 2 months after fighting Lupe Pintor for the world title on the 19th of September 1980. Following a 12 round knockdown, Owen hit the canvas and fell into a coma and passed away 2 months later. A gentleman outside the ring and a warrior inside. We will never forget you John Cofiwn ti am byth!
Quality fighter, just came across one of the GOAT at his weight. A real shame, and by all accounts a true gent.
REMEMBER IT WELL, showed him training on bbc sportsnight , in a churchhall, his everything was in boxing, a great little fighter, i beleive lupe pintor went to see his statue in his hometown just recently, must have been an heartrenching moment for him. god bless him, he was game to the death.
Pintor was there for the unveiling as far as I know. He has kept a strong bond with The Merthyr Matchsticks family since the tragedy took place. Owens father had to talk Pintor round to continuing with his career if I'm not wrong.
I remember hearing the bad news the morning after the fight and running into the bedroom to tell my dad. The pair of us were gutted.
Very good fighter and won't be forgotten. When you look at what happened to Johnny, it really amazes and pisses me off when idiots feel so at ease in calling fighters "cowards". What was the great line Mcilvanney used after Johnny's death?
I don't know if this is the one you mean but I think it sums it up: (full piece here http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/article818085.ece) I think Johnny was the definition of someone who was too tough for his own good. IIRC his autopsy showed that he had an unusually fragile skull, offset by an unusually thick jaw - a deadly combination.