I would like to begin the morning by paying my respects to a Welsh boxing legend who tragically passed away on this day (4 November) in 1980.
Who Was Johnny Owen?
Johnny Owen (7 January 1956 – 4 November 1980), was a Bantamweight boxing prodigy from Merthyr Tydfil, De Cymru. He boasted an excellent fight record of 28 fights, 25 wins (11 by KO), 2 defeats and 1 draw.
Johnny Owen, who was nicknamed the “Merthyr Matchstick” for his sleek, super thin physique, fought his last fight against the Mexican, Lupe Pintor, who held the WBC title. This was to be the biggest fight of Owen’s career – with his plan to win the title, defend it three times and retire to Merthyr a hero. Unfortunately, part of that plan would not be recognised – he would not get to retire to Merthyr, but he would be remembered a hero.
In a hard-fought fight between the two pros of the ring, taking place in Grand Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, on 19 September 1980, Owen would take a crushing blow to the head in the 12th round – a blow which would cause part of his jaw to crash into his brain, causing a number of blood clots which would require immediate treatment which, tragically, could bring no success.
His opponent, Lupe Pintor, felt terrible about what had happened and it must be expressed that Owen’s parents held no grudge against him. It was a freak accident which took place in the ring which caused him severe stress and depression, too. He only continued boxing at the insistence of Johnny Owen’s parents.
Though Owen would be pronounced dead almost two months later on November 4th, 1980, his legacy would remain intact and he would become a heroic figure in Cymru but even more so in Merthyr.
DIGITAL Welsh Histories Magazine – November 2025
Welsh Histories Magazine November 2025 – DIGITAL COPY
The digital edition of Welsh Histories Magazine for November 2025 has finally arrived!
This month, the magazine delves into the topic of the Welsh Kings – the early Welsh rulers who came to prominence in the centuries following the Roman withdrawal from Britain. Don’t expect to see the esteemed Welsh princes (Llywelyn Fawr, Rhys ap Gruffydd and so forth) in this magazine as this issue focuses solely on those who were referred to as Kings, not princes. This magazine has been on the cards for quite some time and, hopefully, you enjoy it!
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We also continue with the recent theme of different “did you know?” type fun facts within this magazine, though this time each fact relates to the topic of the Welsh Kings (or is somehow relevant to them). This is, to date, the only issue of Welsh Histories Magazine which covers the Kings specifically.
This month’s magazine has been written, created and designed by Niklas George (Welsh Histories founder and owner). We have no guest writer this month. All images used in this issue of Welsh Histories Magazine include the respective owner’s details.
Happy reading!
If you have any issues with receiving and downloading your copy, please send all queries to: niklas@welshhistories.co.uk.
More from Welsh Histories
Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
More from Welsh Histories
Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.