Johnny Owen's story is facinating - a brilliant record - and a very sad ending. There is a story about his life in a few segments that can be downloaded from the Net - well worth the effort! Can anyone out there offer their own memories or thoughts about Johnny the-matchstick-man Owen?
Johnny Owen was trained by Eddie Thomas Who also trained Colin Jones and Ken Buchanen There is a book out in Waterstones all about Johnny Owen the matchstick man I had a brief look through it He was humble guy - use to help out in his mothers shop - even when he made it as a pro boxer - and he died that fateful night - his father dosne't blame anyone - not even boxing- just life dealt him that fate - and the guy who killed him came over to Wales a few years ago to help unveil a statue of Johnny and make peace with Johnnys parents. It is a sad story - Johnny seemed a real decent human being - but he will never be forgotten by those who knew him and is a local legend from his area.
Lupe Pintor was a man with diginty and class. He did not need to make peace with Owen's parents as they held nothing against him; what happened was a tragic accident. There was an excellent documentary on this on BBC4/2 a couple years back. Everybody involved in this sad part of boxing history comes across in a very favourable light, which is the best tribute to an excellent little boxer by the name of Johnny Owen.
A sad, sad loss. There was a nice article about Johnny on here a while back... http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=4693&more=1
The book is very good and brought back memories for me. I was too young to have seen his fights but I remember the updates from LA on his condition on the News every teatime.
Nothing against Lupe Pintor, people know the risks when they get into boxing, Johnny was just too brave for his own good. Pintor acted with class and I applaud him for that, and I applaud Owen for his tremendous bravery. Rest In Peace.
I remember that documentary too. It was very good but also sad. From what I remember I think Johnny's dad went to Mexico to ask Lupe to come to Wales to unveil the statue.
Great find Moe Faux. Filled in a few more gaps for me. Boxing offers some great highs & sad lows. Johnny Owen's demise is about the saddest story I've come across.
I thik im correct in saying that when the hospital did some tests (xrays i think maybe) his jaw bone was twice as thick as a normal person of his size, but the top of his skull was like a babies (ie hadnt formed properly or was very weak)
Yep, thats what the book said. The thick jaw could take the blows but the force traveled up to the very thin skull (not sure about the 'baby' thing though).
I think I've seen that little youtube story (can't access it at work). Footage with comments from various people. Very interesting. Tragic accident and the only thing to say is he was in no condition to carry on after the initial knockdown. Hindsight's wonderful and maybe the damage had already been done, but that final KO was hellish.
