I don't see what would qualify him to be in the HOF. He was a good fighter but not better or more accomplished than quite a few other non-HOF contenders in his day. Overmatched against Pintor but he gave it everything he had. Rest in peace.
Much as I love him, I’d say no. Brilliant fighter though. He did accomplish a lot. British, Commonwealth and European champion when that meant something and was giving Pintor all he could handle. Sadly, he had a rare thinness of skull and far more courage than most others. RIP.
Johnny Owen is a boxing hero. Even if he isn't in the HOF, he deserves to be remembered by fans as long as the sport is active.
What’s great about Owens legacy is that it’s just as important as the hall of fame. He was a great example in humility, dedication, kindness and courage. He lived for the sport and ultimately sacrificed himself for his dream and for fans.
Hmmm man thats a damn tough question to answer....and because of the ramifications of the out come of his life i just cant justify an answer of no...i think his story and how he left it in the ring that fateful night is enough to give him a place ...i think all boxers who have died in the ring ..should have memorial in the hall of fame....
I think Johnny Owen represents boxing at its best- humble,hard working and dedicated to his craft. I think the HOF needs to have a special wing devoted to boxers who gave their all to the sport so yes I think he deserves to be in the HOF.
Yes, Owen is one of those fighters who makes you feel proud of boxing. Such a great person and example.
If there's a spot in the HOF for trainers and promoters then why not for the guys who literally gave their life for the sport? As stated Owen was a very brave, noble and classy guy who deserves to be honoured for his contribution to boxing in some worthy manner.
Johnny Owen represents all that is bad about boxing - in that it cost a decent young man his life. His name sends shivers of revulsion down the spines of hardcore fans when we think of the horrible beating that he took. In such a dark hour, we were lucky that Johnny was the man he was. Decent, humble and, out of the ring, gentle and shy. While that made his loss so awful - again, I hark back to the incredibly poignant essay Hugh McIlvanney wrote about him before the fight where he expressed his sense of impending disaster and that the thought of Johnny being badly hurt was 'almost too much to bear' - it also gave boxing its defence. Without boxing, Johnny had no voice in the world. Through it he had a sense of purpose and pride and, to this day, his name is honoured both in his local community and the wider boxing world. Boxing made him happy and gave him a sense of being that he would never have had without it. Boxing owes Johnny as much as he owed the sport for what it gave him. Whether he would have traded all that boxing gave him for his life, only Johnny would have known but he also knew the risks (although he wouldn't have known about his thin skull) and loved boxing regardless. So he chose the path he did and worked his socks off to achieve what he did. It gave him an incredible legacy he would never have had without it. Those who are anti-boxing have to acknowledge that at the same time that they say Johny is the classic example of why the sport is not acceptable in the civilised world. I personally think that what he gets to this day is far more valid than the recognition of the HoF. It is a respect and affection that is standing the test of time. I hope that if Johnny had known what would befall him, he would prefer that his name be cherished in people's memories rather than in a hall of fame that deems Sylvester Stallone worthy of inclusion. I know I'll never forget him nor will I cease to be amazed at his accomplishments. Apologies for going on a bit but Johnny Owen remains one of my heroes and I don't pass up any chance to celebrate his name. No boxing fan should.
As a couple of posters have already said, there should be a wing in the HofF dedicated to fallen boxers; guys like Johnny who made the ultimate sacrifice.
I agree with the memorial idea. These fighters like Owen deserve a place in the IBHOF without a doubt.
