Former world champion makes dream come true

Joe Calzaghe with Owen Allen, 7, who has Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the All Stars Boxing Gym in London. (s)

A BRAVE member of Droitwich Boxing Club who has battled a life-threatening illness for almost 18 months had his dreams come true thanks to former World Champion boxer Joe Calzaghe.

Seven-year-old Owen Allen, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in December 2010, was whisked off to the All Stars Boxing Gym in London on May 3 for a day to remember which included him getting to spar with his hero for ten rounds

and some boxing tips.

Owen, who lives in Bromsgrove with his family, also had lunch with Calzaghe and the youngster was presented with signed boxing gloves and cards during the day which was organised by Make-A-Wish Foundation UK.

The brave Millfields First School pupil took up skipping at a gym to build up strength in his legs after chemotherapy forced him to quit rugby.

And Owen, who is a huge boxing fan and trains four times a week at Droitwich Spa Boxing Club, hopes to emulate his hero and one day to be the heavyweight champion of the world.

His dad Peter said: "Throughout his treatment, Owen was an inspiration to the whole family - even in the darkest hour we could rely on Owen to have a smile on his face.

"This is more than I could have expected for him - what a great guy Joe is, and thank you to Make-A-Wish."

Owen youngster received plenty of praise from Calzaghe, who held World Super Middleweight and World Light Heavyweight belts and remained undefeated until he retired in 2009 with 46 wins and 32 knock-outs.

He said: "It was a real pleasure to meet Owen and spend time with him in the boxing ring – he’s a great boxer already and he’s only seven."

Owen completed his treatment in June last year and is now having check-ups every six weeks.

Make-A-Wish is trying to raise £6.8million this year to grant wishes of 1,400 children with life threatening illnesses.

To make a donation, visit www.make-a-wish.org.uk or call 01276 40 50 60.

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