Owen: I will still be unbeaten after Prizefighter

Ricky Owen enters Saturday night’s Prizefighter Super Bantamweight event at York Hall, Bethnal Green without a defeat to his name – and the Welshman says that record will stay intact.

The 25 year-old is unbeaten in 11 fights with four wins by knockout, but that record is spread over six years. Owen explained that while injury has played a part, it is tragedy in his personal life that has both stalled his career but also acts as the motivation behind his desire to win Prizefighter.

“My dad passed away last month and my mum a couple of years ago so I really want to do them proud,” said Owen. “Winning Prizefighter means everything, but I also feel that I have nothing to lose. The unbeaten record means a lot and I will keep it going. This is a great opportunity to prove myself after only having two fights in two years and I’m going to take it.”

The Swansea fighter’s eleventh win came at York Hall with a points victory over Aberdeen’s James Ancliff in April 2009, and he returns to the venue in Prizefighter to face Yorkshireman Gavin Reid in the fourth quarter-final of Barry Hearn’s latest eight-man, one night tournament live on Sky Sports – where the winner will pick up a cheque for £32,000.

“Prizefighter needs boxers like me – the format suits me to the ground as I like a bit of a scrap,” said Owen. “I want to get title shots and they are the next steps if I get past this. Win this and I really believe I’m on my way to big things.”

Victory for Owen would set up an all-Welsh second semi-final as Newport’s Robbie Turley faces Welsh Commonwealth gold medallist Jamie Arthur in quarter-final three, and Owen says that he and his fellow countrymen are desperate to follow in the footsteps of Newbridge’s Gavin Rees who won Prizefighter Light Welterweight in December.

“I get great support in Wales who are always behind me and all our fighters so another Welsh Prizefighter winner will be great for the sport back home,” said Owen. “I’d love to have a big title fight in Wales where my supporters can come and if I win Prizefighter, that dream could come true.”

Tickets for Prizefighter Super-Bantamweights are available now at £35 (unreserved), £60 (ringside) and £100 (VIP) – call Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.