Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer – Friday 17 October 1947

Billy Thompson Wins Lightweight Title

Hawthorne Beaten in Third Round

Billy Thompson, the Hickleton Main Colliery worker, took full advantage of his second chance by beating Stan Hawthorne, North Shields, for the vacant British lightweight boxing championship, before 20,000 enthusiastic spectators at Anfield Park football ground, Liverpool, last night. The large crowd of Yorkshiremen, who came to support their champion, saw the amiable Thompson transformed into a fighting fury as he battered Hawthorne on the ropes.

After the second round, during which Hawthorne took counts six and one of eight, the issue was never in doubt

Flattering Start

Hawthorne, who sports a moustache, looked good in the opening round when he caught Thompson three times with his famous right-hand punch. Thompson’s rushing tactics and heavy punching with both hands in the second round had Hawthorne shaken, and despite the frantic efforts his seconds, who immersed his head completely in a bowl of water. Hawthorne failed to withstand his rival’s terrific attack, in the third round.

Hawthorne kept feet by holding the ropes Thompson landed about 20 punches against his defenceless opponent, and the referee stopped the contest in his favour

May Go to America

Thompson said he was pleased to have made the most of a second chance against Hawthorne who narrowly beat him final eliminator for the championship last year.

Thompson said would probably accept offers go to America.

Hawtnorne commented: “Thompson punched much harder than I thought he could.”

At the weigh-in Hawthorne, who was only one ounce inside the lightweight limit, had a weight advantage of 1 ½.lb. The title became vacant when Ronnie James (Swansea) relinquished it on moving up into the welterweight division.

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