Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette – Friday 03 September 1948

Thompson to Fight for Empire Title

Billy Thompson, Thurnscoe born British and European lightweight champion is  to fight Al King, the coloured Canadian, for the vacant title at Belle Vue. Manchester, on October 1.

Thompson has left the mines and recently purchased small farm at Thurnscoe. Yorks.

Thompson went to Canada a few months ago to meet King, but the fight was called off because of disagreement regarding the referee.