Johnny Owen

In 1980, Johnny Owen held the Welsh, British, European, and Commonwealth bantamweight titles. Nicknamed "the Matchstick Man" because of the skeletal physique which belied his stamina and aggression, Johnny was hugely popular. In autumn of that year, Johnny made his bid for the World Championship, flying to Los Angeles to fight the skillful, arrogant champion, Lupe Pintor of Mexico. Most pundits feared for Owens' life, comparing his emaciated body and slow mind with the power and lightning-quick reflexes of the Mexican. Owen was knocked out in the 12th round of the epic bout, never regained consciousness, and died 46 days later. In this book, the author takes an in-depth look at Owen's life and rise to fame, and tells the story of the historic week spent in Mexico with the boxer's father and trainer, Dick Owens, and of Dick's emotional reunion with Lupe Pintor--the boxer responsible for the death of his son. It is a story of hope and courageous struggle, of the search for resolution and forgiveness.