All boxers

Johnny Owen

“Merthyr Matchstick”

Boxing · Deceased
25-2-1RECORD
11WINS BY KO / TKO
14WINS BY DECISION
28PRO FIGHTS

Profile

Full nameJohn Richard Owens
NicknameMerthyr Matchstick
Date of birth7 Jan 1956
Died4 Nov 1980
NationalityWelsh
BirthplaceMerthyr Tydfil, Wales
Based inNot added yet
Weight classesBantamweight
TrainersIdris Sutton
Height173 cm (5′8″)
ReachNot added yet
StanceNot added yet
Years active1976–1980
StatusDeceased
Pro debut30 Sep 1976
Last fightLoss vs Lupe Pintor, 19 Sep 1980

Details on this page were compiled from public information on 11 Oct 2026 (the record is as of that date). Is this you? Claim this profile to correct anything and add your photo and bio. Claim this profile

Titles and honours

Background

Welsh bantamweight from Merthyr Tydfil who won the British, Commonwealth and European bantamweight titles. He died in November 1980 from injuries suffered in his WBC title fight against Lupe Pintor in Los Angeles.

Fight history

28 professional fights. Newest first.

ResultOpponentMethodRoundTimeDateLocationNotes
LossLupe PintorKO1219 Sep 1980Grand Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USFor WBC bantamweight title
WinJohn FeeneyDecision (points)1528 Jun 1980Empire Pool, London, EnglandRetained British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles
WinJuan Francisco RodríguezDecision (unanimous)1228 Feb 1980Leisure Centre, Ebbw Vale, WalesWon European bantamweight title
WinGlyn DaviesTKO (corner retirement)522 Jan 1980National Sporting Club, London, England
WinDavid VasquezDecision (points)1029 Nov 1979Leisure Centre, Ebbw Vale, Wales
WinJose GarciaTKO54 Oct 1979Leisure Centre, Ebbw Vale, Wales
WinNeil McLaughlinDecision (points)1017 Sep 1979Albany Hotel, Glasgow, Scotland
WinDave SmithTKO1213 Jun 1979Double Diamond Club, Caerphilly, WalesRetained British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles
WinGuy CaudronDecision (points)1010 May 1979Sports Centre, Pontypool, Wales
WinLee GrahamDecision (points)819 Apr 1979National Sporting Club, London, England
LossJuan Francisco RodríguezDecision (majority)153 Mar 1979Plaza de Toros, Almería, SpainFor European bantamweight title
WinPaul FerreriDecision (points)152 Nov 1978Leisure Centre, Ebbw Vale, WalesWon vacant Commonwealth bantamweight title
WinWally AnglissTKO325 Sep 1978National Sporting Club, London, England
WinDavy LarmourTKO729 Jun 1978Double Diamond Club, Caerphilly, Wales
WinDave SmithDecision (points)812 Jun 1978National Sporting Club, London, England
WinWayne EvansTKO106 Apr 1978Leisure Centre, Ebbw Vale, WalesRetained British bantamweight title
WinAntonio MedinaDecision (points)827 Feb 1978Country Club, Marton, England
WinAlan OagTKO823 Jan 1978Afan Lido, Port Talbot, Wales
WinPaddy MaguireTKO1129 Nov 1977National Sporting Club, London, EnglandWon British bantamweight title
WinGeorge SuttonDecision (points)821 Sep 1977Midland Sporting Club, Solihull, England
WinTerry HannaTKO416 Jun 1977Leisure Centre, Ebbw Vale, Wales
WinJohn KellieTKO625 Apr 1977Albany Hotel, Glasgow, Scotland
WinGeorge SuttonDecision (points)1029 Mar 1977Leisure Centre, Ebbw Vale, WalesWon vacant Welsh Area bantamweight title
WinNeil McLaughlinDecision (points)815 Feb 1977Sports Centre, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
WinNeil McLaughlinDecision (points)828 Jan 1977Gala Baths, West Bromwich, England
WinIan MurrayTKO723 Nov 1976Rhondda Leisure Centre, Ystrad, Wales
DrawNeil McLaughlinDecision (points)89 Nov 1976Sports Complex, Templemore, Northern Ireland
WinGeorge SuttonDecision (points)830 Sep 1976Sports Centre, Pontypool, WalesPro debut

Record source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).