Tony Owen’s manager is convinced Carlshalton’s boxing bricklayer is heading to the top – because he goes to the pub four times a week!

After an unbeaten amateur career with Roundshaw ABC, Owen continues his quest for professional boxing glory at York Hall in Bethnal Green on June 12 on a bumper bill that also features Southern Area light-heavyweight champion JJ Ojuederie and unbeaten prospects Wayne Alwan-Arab and Joe Smyth.

Owen outpointed Darryl Still on his professional debut in March and has been training for next month’s four-round fight at a gym attached to the Half Moon pub in Herne Hill.

Manager Dave Cowland reports that the 22 year-old light-welterweight never misses a session with former British and Commonwealth champion Clinton McKenzie.

“I’ve been very impressed with Tony’s dedication,” said Cowland. “He starts work at eight o’clock every morning, works hard all day and still never misses a training session.

“He is always at the gym four times a week and that tells me he really wants to succeed.

“Tony showed plenty of promise as an amateur and he has been improving all the time in the gym since he decided to turn professional.”