your comments
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pete reading
even in death he is great
Adrian, Zaragoza, Spain
I remember the day Johnny died. I had just come into the kitchen and I heard it on the radio. I was gutted! Johnny inspired me in my career until this very day. He will never be forgotten! God Bless!
Gaspar
I am from Chile and I first heard about Johnny in 1995, when I saw a film called "Faces of Death" which some schoolmates took to school. I was shocked by the images, and I wondered why a skinny boy was fighting there. Later, in 2005, I decided to look for Johnny's information on the internet and found out that he was a professional boxer who won a lot of fights and titles. He was not an unknown guy in a video - he was a fighter! Since then, I have seen videos, pictures and read a lot information about Johnny. All I can say is: thumbs up, good old Johnny.
Clive Joseph, Port Talbot
Our heroes never die, they live on in our hearts and minds. I think of Johnny so often.
Tricia Higgins, Leeds
I would like to thank the whole Owen family for giving us a boxer of unequalled bravery and determination, but more importantly a humble and generous human being. The so called 'sporting heroes' of today could do worse than read the magnificent book by Dick Owen. I recently enjoyed a break in the Gower which was beautiful, but my main purpose was to visit Johnny's statue. From an English woman to a Welsh man, you are the best.
Fernando Martinez from N Hollywood, CA
Johnny Owens to me is more than a legend, he's a legacy that will never be forgotten. He is a true inspiration, as is his father Dick Owens for having such a great heart and compassion. God bless Johnny Owens.
Chris Kempson
I saw Johnny Owen box several times, he was good, no he was very, very good. He was a polite and friendly unassuming man, who would always have a word with you at a pre-fight weigh-in and sign an autograph for you. He was a true fighting son of Wales and will be always remembered as such. Thank you Johnny for all the good memories you have left us with. RIP Always.
Carlos Lopez From Guadalajara MX.
I knew about the tragedy of Owen when I was a child. I have read now that Pintor never got over it. Owen is an example of professionalism, courage and braveness.
Art Rex, San Francisco, California
I was born and raised in Los Angeles; I was there that night at the Olympic Auditorium, with my new made Welsh friends. We wore "Match Stick" tee shirts and endured being in the minority of a fierce crowd of chanting adversaries. For me that night will never be forgotten, a hellish nightmare. Johnny fought with his heart as a great champion for whom I will always respect. For myself, I have never been to another boxing match and doubt I ever will.
Ian Priest, Alfreton
Johnny Owen's story takes me back to my youth and the days when a British champ was a household name. God bless Johnny Owen - I will never forget you.
Trevor Thomas, Bedwas
Johnny will never die - he'll live on in our memories and the history of Wales's sporting heroes. I bet you he's up there sparring with the likes of our other heros Tommy Farr, Howard Winstone, Jimmy Wilde, Freddie Welsh, Jim Driscoll and many more. Thanks for the memory John, God bless.
Hugh Hopkins, Aberdare
I have just read Johnny's book one of the best sad happy heart renching reads. A brave and dedicated sportsman. God bless Johnny and his family.
Ste from Bolton
I was 16 and an amateur boxer myself at the time. He was a real humble lad and a very good boxer! Bless ya Johnny Owen.
John Burgess, Lancaster
Johnny Owen was the bravest man I have ever seen. He bounced around a ring giving inspiration to the weediest of men myself included.
Dale Gardner from Cwm
Johnny will aways be a legend in the valleys.
David Hainsworth, Cardiff
He truly was a great man and an ambassador for Wales if there ever was one.
Wayne Cryer
Johnny Owen was quite simply the bravest fighter I have ever seen. I was only 14 years old when he was so cruelly taken away, and have never forgotten him. When my son was born I named him Owen, and when he is old enough to understand I will tell him all about the Legend of Johnny Owen, and why he was named after him.
Wayne Street, Pontygwaith Rhondda
Johnny you were the best - saw nearly all of your fights, went to charity do's in aid of you when you were fighting for your life. Will never forget you - RIP.
Eddie Drewitt, Vancouver, Canada
I used to box in the Canadian amatuers in the junior ranks. Johnny Owen, although I saw him only in magazines, was a big inspiration to me. He looks like he's got lots of stamina and lots of energy. Hope to one day visit Johnny's home town in Wales and see his statue. God bless Johnny Owen.
Drew, Edinburgh
He was a great, great fighter. His name is etched in boxing history, and will never be forgotten.
mark Lloyd (new Tredegar) now N Lincolnshire
Johnny was and still is a family friend, he spent a few boxing day parties at my dad's house always drinking squash. He was a warm lovely man, a great boxer and my sister Helen's first boyfriend. She was six then. A great boxer and a super human being. We all love you still. The Lloyd family.
Clive Boyles, Tonypandy
Matchstick Man - what a great title and what a wonderful boxer. He will be in our thoughts and memory for ever. I truly wish I had seen him boxing.
Debby Daniels from Senghenydd, Caerphilly
I was 17 years old. I used to come home from school every day hoping and praying that Johnny would pull through and was crying when my mam said that he did not make it. He was a great boxer and loved to watch him on the TV. Sad that I never got to meet him. I was told today that they were filming in a local pub by me, and that it is going to be about Johnny Owen. Thank God his memory lives on. God Bless Johnny.
Gary Perrin
I met Johnny Owen in a garage in Rhymney just before he left for that terrible fight. It was in Fosters garage - I was going into the garage in my school break. He was with his father in a lovely new datsun. He signed autographs for us and we wished him luck. God bless you Johnny.
Leigh Williams of Grovesend
I love you Johnny Owen. My grandfather Gwynfor Williams, had a picture taken with you. He always spoke highly of you.
David, London
About the same age as Johnny I felt his death very strongly. Quite frankly if ever I catch sight of any boxing I think back to his death and turn away, it's not a sport for me.
terry riley from pembrokeshire
what can one say,he was as people have said a fantastic boxer and i am glad to have seen him box
heath cardiff
my mum and auntie walked from cardiff to barry to raise funds.he must have been a hero it rained all day they marched on in true welsh spirit.
Nathan Harries From Beddau
Best Welsh Boxer of all time
Kelvin Owen, Merthyr
On behalf of the whole family I would like to thank everyone who has posted here. The comments posted here are just fantastic - heart-warmimg and touching.
It's great to know that, even after all these years, John is remembered so well and with such affection.
And, yes he could run up the Sanitorium hill without being breathless, in fact he would run up the hill backwards too!
Kelvin
(Brother)
Liam from Oxfordshire
His name is forever buried deep in the back of ny memory and was immediately recalled after many years when asked by my older sister of his full name .During his brave hospital battle he was the talk of the school playground and his sad passing brought a silence and thought from myself and my friends even at the young age of 7 years old .His achievements and courage both inside and out of the ring touched many people from all walks of life .
Thomas from Merthyr Tydfil
As a youngster I used to watch Johnny road running around the Merthyr area. One of the most dedicated sportsman that ever came from our town. Rumour has it he could run up the Sanatorium Hill in Pontsarn without getting out of breath (2 miles uphill to the heavens). Most rugby players at that time were considered super fit if they could run half way! His memory will live on.
Sara Owens from Rhymney
i never got to meet the man but from what i have heard from lots of family he was a great fighter, the worlds best fighter!
bernie adams hastings east sussex
no words can say what i feel just the tears in my eyes god bless the family so proud
Robert Wada from Shrewsbury
There couldn't possibly have been anyone who was more dedicated and committed to his sport boxing than Johnny. The man was a true inspiration to boxing. I'm sure he will always be remembered and admired now and well into the future generation of boxing.
Danoal McCarthy
I think Johnny Owen is a great hero and a great legend.
Jim Booth from Cardiff
A true champion and genius, totally dedicated to his profession and will live in our hearts forever more. God bless, champ.
Linda Dean from Worthing Sussex
Johnny was a really nice person. I was in school with Johnny and I lived on the same estate as him. All the Class from Georgetown School went to the funeral. He is sadly missed.
Ashley Jenkins. Swansea
Greatest fighter that ever lived.
Memories of this great man will live on forever.
Mark Knoernschild, Rancho Palos, Verdes, Ca.
My first and last attendance at a live fight was the Owens-Pintor match in Los Angeles. The crowd had no class - Owen had it all.
Mathew Parry age 14
I have never seen this man. I was not born when his great reign was ahead - but what I've heared of him he was a remarkable fighter - not only used his fists but his head. !WORLD'S GREATEST!
Nathan Harries
My hero
Sam Vaughan from Caerphilly
A great boxer sadly missed by all. I reckon he is still boxing in heaven as the world champion.
Ahmed Rafeek
Brave fighter. I look up to warriors like him. Shame on fighters who call them selves great and quit when they are out gunned.
Juan Carlos Gutiérrez in Mérida, Mexico
I only want to aknowledge the great courage and braveness of Johnny Owen. Its been more than twenty years since his death, but we still remember him here with lots of admiration and love. May god bless all of his relatives - from Mérida, city of boxing, city where great boxers like Miguel Canto and Guty Espadas (sr. and jr.) were born.
Mike George in Little Sandhurt, Berkshire
A great sportsman who proves that the light that burns twice as bright, burns half as long. His legacy will live on for many lifetimes to come.
Greg from Proffit
He will never be equalled...a true champ and ambassador of boxing.
Jose A Ramirez from Dallas, Texas
Johnny brought pride to boxing-rich Wales, home of the legendary Jimmy Wilde. He will live in the hearts and minds of boxing fans all over the world forever.
William Thomas from Neath
He turned Welsh boxing around, and unfortunately died in the ring doing so.
A well-wisher from Addlestone
Dick, your lad is more alive than anyone you know, old fella. Don't miss him - enjoy your last years knowing he is waiting just the other side of St Peter's Gate wearing gloves and you will both be young men sparring as equals.
What's your opinion of Johnny Owen?
Boxing champion who met a tragic end
His amateur career took in 124 fights, with 106 victories. He represented his country 17 times during this time, winning 15 of the bouts.
