John Richard Owens (7 January 1956 – 4 November 1980), better known as Johnny Owen, was a Welsh professional boxer. He was born in Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan. He was nicknamed "The Merthyr Matchstick" (after his hometown and size) and "The Matchstick Man" (also after his size). He turned pro in 1976. He boxed as a bantamweight. He held the bantamweight championship titles in Great Britain and Europe. Before his final bout, he had a record of 25 wins (11 by knockout), one loss and one draw. Owen's only loss was against Spaniard Juan Francisco Rodríguez in 1979. He later beat Rodríguez in rematch in February 1980.