Boxing bricklayer lining up British title shot (From Your Local Guardian)

Boxing bricklayer lining up British title shot

11:57am Thursday 3rd November 2011 in Boxing

Carshalton’s boxing bricklayer Tony Owen has been told he could guarantee himself a crack at the British lightweight championship if he wins the Southern Area title next month, writes Matthew Bozeat.

Manager Mickey Helliet has confirmed the 24-year-old will challenge Ben Murphy for his Southern Area lightweight championship at The Coronet in Elephant and Castle on November 25.

Owen will secure a top-10 ranking if he beats the Hove powerhouse – and that should lead to a British-title challenge in 2012.

Anthony Crolla, from Manchester, currently holds the domestic belt and he could soon be in Owen’s sights.

“If Tony beats Murphy, he will be unbeaten in 13 fights, ranked in the top 10 and will have proved he’s good enough to fight for the British title," said Helliet.

“This is a massive opportunity for Tony. He’s worked very hard to get where he is now and this is the next step for him.”

Owen made the step up to championship level in June and dominated Jason Nesbitt over 10 rounds to win the vacant International Masters light-welterweight title.

Murphy will be making the first defence of the Southern Area belt he took from the previously unbeaten Lee Cook but Owen's trainer, Bernard Foreman, is convinced Owen has the southpaw skills to take the belt and secure an exciting fighting future.

“Murphy is a real handful and Tony needs to be on top form," he said.

"Needless to say, we are taking this fight very seriously.

"Murphy has the edge in experience, but Tony has the skills to win the fight. It’s a massive opportunity for him.”

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