Telford’s Macauley Owen has vowed to make an instant impact come his debut on 9th October at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham writes Noah Abrahams.
Thriving for greatness having signed papers with Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions, Owen recognises the benefits of such prestigious backing.
“It’s all a new experience to me,” explained Owen, who is managed by BCB and trained by Shiney Singh.
“Obviously it’s the debut, so all the stuff like selling tickets and getting people there is new and a bit hectic to be honest.
“Queensberry are great on the media side of it. They’re putting my content out on their page regularly and that builds up the audience towards me.
“As far as ticket sales, that’s down to the boxers to sort out themselves. However, getting the coverage on Frank’s social media pages is obviously bringing more people to my attention and that’s quality from them.”
In and around the very best having made the step up, Owen is aware that despite a fruitful amateur career, professional boxing brings with it new challenges.
“It’s the added pressure, but that’s what I thrive off,” he said.
“You’re up there with the big boys now. I want to make a statement when I turn up on 9th October and what better stage to make a massive statement on than with Frank’s team.
“It’s just the commitment and deciding what you want to do with your life. I’ve decided to chase boxing, to chase the titles and to chase the wins. That’s what I dreamed of doing as a kid and I’ve followed it right the way through.”
Studying Sports Science as an undergraduate, before completing a masters in Sports and Exercise Nutrition at the University of Coventry, the 24-year-old explained how his education has given him the edge on the competition.
“I was lucky enough to go to Coventry University where I got accepted on the scholarship scheme,” he said.
“I had my strength and condition training, psychology and nutrition all sorted. That was all covered for me whilst I was there, and I made sure to make the most of it.
“I used to train two or three times a day for five or six days a week. I literally just lived boxing whilst I was at university and that’s what has put me in my position today.
“I spent four years at university, and it was very tough. I’m not exactly the most academic person in the world, but I got there. It was all worth it in the end.
“It has definitely set me in the best stead going forwards in the professional game. I know the ins and outs of sports science and nutrition. It’s all practical to myself.
“I was quite selfish at the time because I did it all to better myself as an athlete.
“I wasn’t really interested in helping others because I knew that a sports science degree and potentially, a nutrition degree, would put me in a massively more beneficial place moving down the line as an athlete.
“It’s paid off and has made a massive difference for me.”
With no opponent announced for fight night, Owen is confident that regardless of his opposite number, he will put on a show for those watching.
Eager to establish himself early as an entertaining fighter, the super featherweight aims to emulate his hero, Manny Pacquiao, who recently announced his retirement.
“Whoever they put in front of me, I’ll take them out,” he exclaimed.
“There will be an explosion onto the scene. I really can’t wait.
“I’m going to press the fight as much as I can and make it as exciting as I can. That’s what the professional game is all about.
“People want to watch you if you’re an exciting fighter, so I’m not going to go in there and fiddle about with these long punches.
“I’m going to get there, get on his toe and press him. I will get the stoppage early on and make my mark.
“My all-time hero is Manny Pacquiao.
“Just look at where he’s come from and where he’s got to. It’s hard work.
“He put the graft in, and he’s done a heck of a job with every opponent.
“Being a southpaw myself, it’s his style as well. It’s an exciting style of fighting and he is 100 percent my biggest inspiration in the boxing game.”
BCB duo Danny Ball and Liam Davies are both in huge fights elsewhere on the bumper Birmingham bill.
Danny Ball takes on Ekow Ekowman for the latter’s British and Commonwealth Welterweight Titles whilst Liam Davies takes on Nicaraguan Dixon Flores for the WBC International Silver Super Bantamweight Title.
BCB’s Owen Cooper and Ryan Woolridge are also in action alongside Callum Johnson, Nick Ball, George Davey, and Amaar Akbar.
Lichfield’s Brad Foster faces Jason Cunningham for the British, Commonwealth and European Super-Bantamweight championships at the top of the bill.
The show will be aired live on BT Sport and tickets can be purchased at frankwarren.com and theticketfactory.com.
