Johnny Owen

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Johnny Owen (January 7, 1956 - November 4, 1980) was a Welsh boxing champion who died as the result of a bout.

Owen, nicknamed "Matchstick Man" because of his frail appearance, was born in Merthyr Tydfil with the surname "Owens", and took up boxing as a child, turning professional in 1976. He soon won the British bantamweight title, and won the European title from Juan Francisco Rodríguez of Spain in a re-match after a controversial decision at their first meeting. In September, 1980, he challenged for the world bantamweight title. He went into a coma after being knocked out by his opponent, Mexican Lupe Pintor, and died a few weeks later.