This documentary was made in 2002 & is narrated by Welsh born stage veteran & actress Dame Siân Phillips.
A display at Cyfartha Castle, Merthyr Tydfil in Wales of Johnny Owen's Lonsdale belt, Young Boxer of the Year trophy, a Matchstick Man emblem tie, and the gloves and boots worn in his final fight against champion Lupe Pintor.
In September 1980, Johnny ‘Matchstick Man’ Owen from Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, challenged Lupe Pintor for the WBC World Bantemweight title in Mexico. At that time Owen was the holder of the Welsh, British, Commonwealth and European titles. In the 12th round Owen was knocked out, he never regained consciousness and died in a Los Angeles hospital on November 4th 1980. This statue was unveiled by Johnny's father Dick Owen and his old adversary Lupe Pintor on November 2nd 2002 in a ceremony attended by hundreds of Merthyr townspeople, sportsmen and fans. The statue was also visited by Mike Tyson on the anniversary of his death in 2009. Known as the Matchstick Man, Owen's nickname was the result of his skinny frame which belied his power and aggression in the ring. His amateur career took in 124 fights, with 106 victories. He represented his country 17 times during this time, winning 15 of the bouts. Owen's professional career spanned twenty-eight contests with twenty-five victories, one draw and two defeats. 1956-1980.
Dick Owen (1927 - 2005) died from complications after a stroke. Dick was buried in the same plot as his champion son Johnny Owen. His wife Edith (nee Hale) born in 1927 is still alive. Dick and Edith Owen had 8 children, Johnny was the 4th child born to the couple.
