Nathan Owens was born into a boxing family. His dad, Dave Owens, had a professional career spanning almost twenty years. Now it s Nathan s turn to represent the Owens family as the 22 year old from Castleford, nicknaked 'The Outlaw', makes his debut in Leeds on the 24th September, campaigning in the Cruiserweight division.
What made you want to start boxing?
My dad was a professional fighter when he was younger. When I was about eight years old I used to visit a gym in Doncaster. It was a really old gym that proper stunk, it had that real smell that reminds you of a boxing gym. As soon as I went once I was addicted, I just loved it and that s all I wanted to do when I was young.
Did you have a boxing idol when you were younger?
When I was a young lad I just used to train, I didn t really watch much boxing. As I got older Joe Calzaghe was my favourite fighter.
Did you do much amateur boxing?
I had seven amateur fights and I won five of them. I fought out of the White Rose Boxing club in Wakefield for most of my junior contests.
How did you know the time is right to turn pro?
I had my last amateur fight a few years ago. When I was an amateur I was working and doing my training at night, then having my fight but I wasn t getting anything for it. So I thought I might as well turn professional and start getting paid for it.
Do you see a difference in the pro/amateur game?To be honest I m not a big fan of the amateur style, it s to much tip-tap boxing. I ve always been a fan of the professional game. Even some of the best amateur fighters that have turned pro you can still see some of the amateur style in their early fights, it can be quite hard to change your style moving into the pros.
Do you work full time alongside boxing?
I m a dry liner by trade which is quite a physical job so it's not easy working and training. I ve got a good boss who said he will give me some time off for my fights and stuff so I m on a winner at the moment. I usually get up early in the morning and do my run and then do my boxing training in the evening. I ve just sparred 10 x 2 s last weekend so I am at a very good level of fitness already.
What sort of fighting style do you have?
I ve got a good boxing brain on me and will be a good counter puncher as I progress. When I'm doing my sparring I try to use the counter, but when it comes to my fights I end up on the front foot a lot. I think if the opposition is not going to really test me, I can do my own thing. As the level of opponent improves it s a different kettle of fish, and you have to use all your skills.What ambitions/expectations do you have for your pro career?
I always said I would like to earn enough money to pay for a house through boxing. I would love to win a British title too. The Lonsdale belt is such a good looking belt and that s what I really want.
Up next in Jon Briggs' Debutant Watch series are Birmingham's John Connelly, swiftly followed by Ryan 'Crash Bang' Taylor, who makes his debut at the York Hall Prizefighter on September 15th.
8/18/2011
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