MIDDLESBORO - Locally, Owen Beck may be known as the man that drives a Dodge Charger with a Jamaican flag on the front of it. Around the world, he is known as a former World Boxing Association (WBA) champion. Beck currently lives Middlesboro and holds his own fitness courses throughout the week, and is starting his own boxing team in the months to follow. Beck is wanting to start up something tha
t used to be a big deal in Middlesboro. "I heard from people in the area that boxing used to be big around here in the past, but it just faded over time. I'm trying to bring back the atmosphere here," Beck said. Beck admits that he has lived quite the interesting life. He has been all across the world, boxing in multiple countries along the way. Though he is currently a boxer looking to get back on the road to a world championship, he was once just a young boy from Jamaica. His interest in boxing started all the way back when he was 10-years-old...
They weren't ducking and dodging fights like they [boxers] do today," said Beck. Beck started competing in his first matches a few months after he walked into a gym in Jamaica. While an amateur, Beck racked up a record of 95-5. Though he had some family problems while he was young, Beck was able to stay humble and positive by following God. Beck was in and out of foster homes as his youth went by. Though he lived in these conditions, Beck never gave up faith. He was able to master many sports including basketball, track and field, and cricket. Beck's outstanding amateur record allowed him a chance to fight at the 1996 Olympic Games. Though he was sidelined with an injury which prevented him from actually fighting, Beck still attended to show his respect for his country. Beck also won the Jamaican National Boxing Championship eight times as his journey continued. While residing in England, Beck turned professional in boxing. This is when his road to the title began. Beck went on an impressive streak to start his career off, which caught the eye of top-fight promoter Don King...
There were some good times and some bad times," said Beck...
King was also responsible for setting Beck up with the 7' 5" monster known as (Champion) Nikolay Valuev...
"I was supposed to be the one who took down the giant, but I only had a six day notice," said Beck. On January 7, 2000, Beck moved to the U.S. While living in Nashville,
