JO Sports Inc.
HISTORY: On February 7, 1956 at Harringay Arena in London former world welterweight champion Kid Gavilan fought young Peter Waterman in the featured bout. The Referee awarded a controversial ten round decision to Waterman.
Outrage boiled up today against a referee's decision that gave young Peter Waterman of Britain a decision victory over Cuban Kid Gavilan in a 10 round welterweight bout Tuesday night. British fans, newspapers and officials led the criticism heaped on the aging head of Ben Green, one of the most respected ring officials in the country. Promoter Jack Solomons, ring officials, boxing reporters and the 10,000 Harringay Arena fans all believed former world champion Gavilan had won easily with a bewildering variety of punches and aggressive tactics that obviously befuddled Waterman. From the 5th round Gavilan was in complete control of the fight. He fought in flurries but was always the aggressor. He easily landed two punches to Waterman's one. He changed his boxing style at least four times and continuously drove Waterman to the ropes. Waterman obviously was befuddled by the Kid's know-how." -United Press. Protest over this decision caused the British Boxing Board of Control to hold a hearing on the matter, resulting in the revocation of the license of 71 year old referee Ben Green. Unofficial scorecards: UP - 7-3 Gavilan, AP - 6-2-2 Gavilan, UP survey of ringside reporters voted unanimously for Gavilan. Post fight comments: "By my scorecard, Gavilan won eight rounds and Waterman two. This is one of the most outrageous decisions in a major contest." -Peter Wilson, of the Daily Mirror. "The decision was ridiculous. Green is on his way out after this one." -Undercard referee, who requested anonymity for professional reasons and because of his friendship with Ben Green.
Offered here is a scarce, original, official program for this event.
FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, official program which pictures and names both fighters on the cover. 28 pages complete including covers. Not scored, but results are written in on the bout page. Covers are attached to each other, but separated from body of program. Clean inside and out. No center crease. Edge and corner wear. 8 1/4" x 10 1/2."
