Owen Steps Up To Six
Andy Owen is ready to start playing the long game after returning to full fitness for his first six-rounder.
That contest will take place when BCB Promotions are back at the Hangar Events Venue, in Wolverhampton, on the Friday evening of July 22.
Owen is determined to kickstart a frustrating year, so far, which has seen just one ring outing and another fall by the wayside, in May, due to a niggling knee injury.
The same issue curtailed another fight date, last December, but the 35-year-old is confident that he’s seen the last of his spell on the sidelines.
He resumes his career with a 3-1 record, the one blip coming when Norbert Szekeres stunned him with a second round stoppage.
Owen does have one TKO of his own, from battering Ryan Hibbert into submission and forcing his retirement, with two rounds gone, after he’d been dropped and bloodied.
That was on his debut, with a double-header of points successes over Kearon Thomas, the latter encounter at the Hangar last time out, in February, completing his pro tally so far.
Owen’s pair of points whitewashes, both by 40-36 landslide scores, appear to represent the end of his four-round apprenticeship, as he now stands up to six.
The Midlands super middleweight title, which is currently vacant, is a target and would represent an over-the-distance extension to 10 rounds that, seemingly, holds no fears.
Owen said: “It’s great to be back. I’ve had knee trouble, which became a recurring problem. I thought it had gone, so I boxed (in February) and, about a month later, it flared up again.
“The first time it happened, I went to see a private physio, but my GP has sorted it out now. My knee is fine and I’ve been working very hard with my coach (Richie Carter).
“I’ve started doing a stretching programme, every morning before I start to exercise, and that seems to have helped a lot. I’ve never had an injury before and I don’t want one again!
“I’ve been back in the gym and I’ve had an intense eight-week training camp. I’m fitter and stronger than I’ve ever felt, going into a fight, and that’s when I should be at my best.
“I’ve done six and eight rounds in sparring, loads of times, but I know this is going to be a different challenge and I can’t look past this one.
“If I can get these six rounds done and pick up the win, I can push on towards the Midlands title, which is the first goal that I’ve set for myself.
“It’s great to be back at the Hangar, too. I’d never boxed there until last time (in February), but it was brilliant to be on a local show that is presented to that level.
“In terms of titles, whatever and wherever it comes up, I’d take it. It doesn’t bother me going away from home, I just want to get the opportunity.”
Tickets for the Hangar bill are available, priced at £40 standard or £75 VIP ringside with buffet, from the BCB Box Office by calling 07493 582 261 or visiting myfighttickets.com.
