Owen announces his retirement from ring

Andy Owen…now concentrating on a career in coaching

PERTON super-middle Andy Owen has announced his retirement.

The 35-year-old – a late entrant to the pro ranks – made the decision after losing in a Midlands title bid last month.

That night – the biggest of his career – was overshadowed by weigh-in controversy, which I felt unfair on the likeable family man. Remember: that was Andy’s world title, yet the opportunity was tarnished by factors out of the control of the boxer or his trainer, Richie Carter.

He and Michael Stephenson were to have fought for the vacant super-middle title (12st), but the Northampton fighter came in well overweight.

The bout went on, however – for the light-heavyweight belt. Andy, who now lives in Shifnal, Shropshire, lost clearly on points.

It’s a measure of the man that he never blamed what happened on the scales for the loss.

Carter should be applauded for getting Andy to 10 round title level. It was something of a fairytale without a fairytale ending. There are very few Rocky stories in the profession.

Andy, who fought under the BCB banner, didn’t turn pro until the age of 33 and bows out with a record of four wins and two losses.

He admitted Father Time is the over-riding factor in his decision to retire.

He said: “It’s age, mate. It was always going to be the case because if I lost at my age I hadn’t got the time to rebuild.”

Andy paid tribute to Carter, an exceptional amateur and good pro who, I felt, switched to the paid game too early.

Andy said: “Massive thank you to Richie. He’s a really good friend of mine and a great coach. There’s nothing he hasn’t seen in the game, so, for me, no better man to have in the corner.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to work alongside him in the coaching and learning from him from the other side now.”

Good to know Andy – a former kick-boxer – has not been lost to the game.

I wish him a happy and healthy retirement.