By Sean Davies

RICKY OWEN Born: Swansea Age: 24 Division: Featherweight Record: Won 11 (4 KOs), Lost 0

Unbeaten Swansea featherweight Ricky Owen has joined up with the Welsh enclave in California as he hopes to boost his title hopes.

The southpaw, 24, has headed out with Newport's Matthew Edmonds, linking up with the Talon Boxing camp that also holds Wales' Kerry Hope and James Todd.

Owen will spend an initial two weeks in the USA, and he has already sparred at Freddie Roach's famous Wild Card gym.

"I intend on getting the British shot I deserve as soon as possible," he said.

"[I want to] progress through Europe after that," added Owen, who says he "did well" at the Wild Card in Los Angeles.

Owen has won all 11 of his fights, four by knock-out, in a five-year professional career.

But his profile has been low and his fights have taken him all round the country, with three in Wales, two in Scotland and six in England.

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"I feel the different culture, climate and professional training camp will improve my personal skills and hopefully progress my career to where I want to be," said Owen of his trip to the Lake Arrowhead mountains.

"[I hope to] gain valuable experience over the water. I am not looking for a fight over there, but if the opportunity arises I will deeply consider my options.

"The original trip is two weeks for family commitment reasons, but if all goes well I will consider a longer trip soon.

"I intend on returning home with more experience and determination than ever, I want to be in the ring as much as physically possible now."

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