Johnny Owen
Johnny Owen . Johnny Owen (1956–1980) was a Welsh professional boxer. He won his first title, the bantamweight title for the Welsh Area, in March 1977, seven months after turning professional. Later in 1977, Owen defeated Paddy Maguire for the British bantamweight title, becoming the first Welshman in more than 60 years to hold the belt. He defeated Paul Ferreri for the Commonwealth bantamweight title but was controversially beaten by Juan Francisco Rodríguez for the European title. He later defeated Rodríguez in a rematch. Owen challenged World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Lupe Pintor for his world bantamweight title on 19 September 1980, losing in a twelfth-round knockout, leaving the ring on a stretcher. He never regained consciousness, dying seven weeks later at age 24. Owen possessed a professional career record of 25 wins (11 by knockout), 1 draw and 2 defeats. A statue (pictured) commemorating his life and career stands in his home town of Merthyr Tydfil.