Yorkshire Evening Post – Saturday 18 October 1947

Billy Thompson Gets Big Welcome

Huge Street Procession

BILLY THOMPSON, the new British lightweight boxing champion, was tired and a little bewildered today. The reason was the tumultuous reception received last night at Thurnscoe. The celebrations began outside Billy’s house, and after greetings from the family, the band arrived and led a huge procession through the streets, with an ever-increasing throng of people shouting their welcomes and waving flags and handkerchiefs at the young victor.

First Speech

They crowded into the Colliery yard, and heard Billy make his first public speech, after Introduction by Councillor Harry Kiley, Chairman of the Urban Council. Billy said he would try and bring further honours to the district. It was a grand feeling that so many people had faith in him. The procession then moved on the Social and Ex Servicemen’s Club, where Billy’s success was toasted. Billy has plans concerning the British Empire and European lightweight titles, but they can wait. He is going to have a few days’ rest, and then he’ll back to the pit.

Canadian Offer Cabled

Mr. Benny Huntman, Thompson’s manager, received a cabled offer from Canada for a fight between Thompson and Danny Webb in Montreal December or January for the Empire title.

“I am now negotiating for Thompson to compete for the European title but am also interested in the Canadian offer,” said Mr. Huntman to-day.

The first question asked by Thompson after winning the Championship at Liverpool, was; When do I get my Lonsdale Belt? ” Mr Charles Donmall  (secretary of the Boxing Board) replied: ” When it is made.” The new belts—there are several order —will not be made of gold. Silver and gilt will be substituted, but the belts will similar in appearance and cost more than the original gold ones.