Malcolm Cowen: a boxer's story
From Glastonbury School to the 1952 Olympic Games
By Beverley Walker
Malcolm Cowen started boxing at Glastonbury School No 6 where he was a pupil. He then joined Epsom and Ewell boxing club before finally moving to Battersea where he turned professional around 1953.
In 1952 he was chosen as first reserve in the Heavyweight division for the Helsinki Olympics. The team also included a young Henry Cooper.
After some early success boxing under the name Mick Cowen he fought his last fight in 1961. He now belongs to the Ex Professional Boxers Club in London.
The 1952 Helsinki Olympic Boxing Squad. Top left- Derik Rowe, Bruce Wells, John Maloney, Bernard Foster, Harry Mallin, Terry Gooding, Henry Cooper, Eddie Hearn, Fred Verlander and Malcolm Cowen. Middle Row- Dai Dower, Tommy Nicholls, Percy Lewis and Fred Reardon. Bottom Row- Ken Phillips, Parry Dando, Ritchie Jenkins, Peter Brander, Peter Waterman and Ron Hinson.
Donated by Veronica Cowen
Malcolm Cowen aged 15 as an amateur at the Printing and Allied Trades Boxing Club
Donated by Veronica Cowen
'Mick' Cowen as a pro fighter.
Donated by Veronica Cowen
Malcolm Cowen with Harry Carpenter from The Daily Mail
Donated by Veronica Cowen