Newsletter Vol3 No 6
Posted: 22 Oct 2008, 09:07
The Boxing Biographies Newsletter
Volume 3- No 6 22 Oct , 2008
www.boxingbiographies.com
If you wish to receive future newsletters ( which includes the images ) please email the message “NEWS LETTER”
[email protected]
The newsletter is also available as a word doc on request
As always the full versions of these articles are on the website
Members Register Facility
You can now register as a user of boxingbiographies.com and post your comments on the individual biographies contained on the site. We hope you will make full use of this option so that we can enhance the quality and quantity of the information we are adding. Since we launched the site in July 2007 we have had over 110,000 visits logged – so we must be doing something right !!!
Boxing News 18th June 1952
DON COCKELL lost his British light-heavyweight title to Randolph Turpin as was generally expected, but he went down fighting. Always a game 'un, the former Battersea blacksmith disputed the issue up to the eleventh round, when, battered into the ropes and practically defenseless, he was saved further punishment by the intervention of the referee. In addition to collecting another British title, Turpin picked up the vacant Empire light-heavyweight crown and therefore holds four championships.
It looked very much as if the title bout would end in the third round, when Cockell went down from a series of shattering jaw punches. He was dazed and hurt, but after taking a count of "eight" recovered sufficiently to hold Turpin off to the bell. After the rough treatment it was all the more surprising to find Don taking the fight to Turpin in the fourth, to win the round by a fair margin.
He then did quite well until the eighth, when the referee called them to account for excessive politeness and demanded more action. Turpin responded with a terrific and sustained attack that soon had Cockell in trouble and only the bell saved him from visiting the boards again.
Once more Don made a good recovery, and, although boxing mainly on the -defensive in the ninth took the tenth by a shade with some good counter-punching and it looked as if the bout might even yet go the distance.
But Randy decreed otherwise. He up a string attack immediately they left their corners and was clear that he meant business. He swarmed over Cockell, who made the mistake of swapping punches, instead of using the ring, with the result that he was soon on the boards.
Don dislikes taking long counts and he was up at " six," an easy mark for the now irrepressible Randy. Slashing blows to the head bad Cockell rolling over and this time he took " eight." simply because he could not rise sooner.
More head punches sent him staggering to the ropes and as he rebounded off them into the path of a further fusillade of punches, the referee jumped between them and waved Turpin to his corner as the victor. The round had lasted only 70 seconds.
Cockell at 12 st 6 ¼ lb. was the heavier by 11 ¾ lb., but this advantage aided him very little, in fact Turpin appeared the stronger in he many clinches and was much he more powerful puncher. This was indeed a battle in which physical condition played a great part. Cockell was well trained and as fit as he knew how to be, but Turpin was in superb trim and stood up to Don's hooks to the body with disdain.
Actually Randy blocked the bulk of these intended body slams with his forearm and elbows and confessed to us afterwards that it was Don's short rights to the head at close - quarters that were his hardest deliveries.
Those who fancied that Turpin could have finished the fight earlier, should bear in mind that for the first time he was boxing a class light-heavyweight and to take chances might have proved fatal as it was, Randy let Cockell do all the leading for the first six rounds, relying solely on countering. In this way he was able to judge the strength of the opposition and incidentally allow Don to expend his nervous energy, while Turpin kept his in reserve until the time came to switch from defence to attack.
Turpin's best scoring blows were his left hooks to the body and jaw. He swung the right hard to the ribs, but his overarm swings were not delivered correctly and ended up as clouts that often sent Cockell staggering.
Had Randy turned his wrist a fraction before the point of impact he would have put Don down and out, and the new champion should practise this punch in readiness for Robinson or Maxim. At the moment this delivery is very reminiscent of Freddie Mills' right chops.
Name: Fred Galiana
Career Record: click
Birth Name: Exuperancio Diaz Galiana
Nationality: Spanish
Birthplace: Quintara de la Orden
Hometown:
Born: 1931-07-02
Died: 2005-07-04
Age at Death: 74
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 5′ 6½″
Spain Mourns Galiana
By Robert Coster
One of the greatest boxers of Spain, Fred Galiana, passed away last week at the age of 74. Galiana fought for 15 years, from featherweight through welterweight, and compiled over 100 victories. His final record was 155-22-12 with 90 KOs. The Spaniard was a phenomenal crowd attraction in Spain in the 50s and 60s, drawing as many 30,000 fans, who delighted in watching his unorthodox style and showmanship. Galiana won the European featherweight title in 1955 in Paris against touted Frenchman Ray Famechon, defended it once before moving up to the lightweight division. American fans were unable to see the talented Spaniard in action since he fought all his career in European rings and Argentina. Galiana was constantly in the top ten ratings in the late 50s but never landed a title shot. Among recognizable names in his record, we can point out the cagey Cuban contender Orlando Zulueta (a draw) and world champions Davey Moore and Duilio Loi (both losses).
Monday, July 11 2005
Boxing News September 7th 1956
Featherweight Champion of Europe
Lightweight Champion of Spain
Fred Galiana
is a
BULL FIGHTER WITH A PUNCH
HE used to be a champion of the Bull Ring. Now he’s champion of the boxing ring. Accepted as the most colourful Spanish personality since Luis Romera,his name is Exuperancio (call him " Fred”) Galiana, holder of the European featherweight championship. In his birthplace of chart.' Quintanar de la Orden, he was recently awarded the freedom of the City, and a street has been named after him. If he should succeed in winning a World title presumably he will be the next Mayor.
His birthplace is about 50 miles from Madrid, but when quite small he moved to the town of Mataro, just outside Spain's biggest industrial city, Barcelona. He left school quite early in life, and took a job in one of the textile factories in his new home town, when barely sixteen years old. Here he started boxing as an amateur and continued to do so for three years, engaging in 45 bouts, winning almost all of them.
Changed his name
When he had just turned 19, along came manager Julio Avernin, who was so struck by this lad's clever ring-craft and natural moves that he persuaded him to turn professional. His name was so difficult to pronounce that he quickly changed it to "Fred." .Early in life Galiana became a bullfighter, and as a "novillero," an amateur, was outstanding. If one examines his present-day boxing style, some moves and characteristics of the bullfighter are still there.
So at the age of 19, he started boxing as a pro, and since 1950 has engaged in nearly 100 bouts.
When Romero retired, Spain lost a colourful fighter, but then Galiana made his appearance and also made his presence felt abroad, playing havoc with leading European feathers. His manager tags him as the most promising hope Spain has had in a long time to win a World's title, as he is "a very intelligent and hard hitting boxer with a k.o. punch in either fist."
Perhaps his best performance was the outstanding defteat of Jean Sneyers who retired in the sixth round in Sneyers' own back-garden, Brussels. This victory rocketed Fred to the top of the Continental boxing world and Galiana says "This fight really made me very happy for I was named challenger to Famechon's title and also established myself in world class."
After his resounding victory, his manager matched him with American Percy Basset, the long-established terror of European feathers. Unfortunately Basset had to withdraw because of an injury to his right eye.This bout would have given Galiana a great boost, for it could have paved the way for a direct title shot with Sandy Saddler. On the other hand if he had lost he would not have been disgraced ; for Basset has twice beaten Ray Famechon, and being young Fred would have had plenty of time to work his way back to the top.
The European crown
It is now fistic history how Fred beat Famechon in six rounds to annex the European featherweight title.Galiana is a modest youngster, success has not gone to his head ,and he does not boast of his prowess. He does not underestimate any opponent and is completely wrapped up with his boxing. He likes to train and never gets tired. of it, for he maintains that since success depends on the training one has, then it's just as well to enjoy training. He believes in always being in tip-top condition and follows rigidly a set of rules instituted by his manager and himself.
He does not smoke or drink and after a fight has three days holiday, then it's back again to the gym. As he himself says, " I have dedicated myself entirely to boxing and I have no regrets whatsoever of having chosen this career.I have great determination to reach the top."
Dual titles
Way back in 1953. he unsuccessfully tried to wrest the national featherweight title from Jose Hernandez but was outpointed over 12 rounds. This did not stop him from reaching the top and at the beginning of last year he annexed the Spanish lightweight crown. Nowadays he fights feathers as well as lights and has no problem whatsoever with the scales.
There is only one woman in Galiana's life and that is his mother, and he wants her to live like a queen for " she has sacrificed a lot for me," he says. "At present I have no idea of marrying, for there is plenty of time when I decide to hang up the gloves. Now I only love my mother and boxing." At present he is building a " dream farm" for his mother with chickens, cows. etc. and will move in with her when it's finished. There he plans to set up his training quarters.
Strong willed
He has a tidy sum of money in the bank to help him with the projects he has in mind when he finishes with boxing. But he said " Now I deprive myself of anything which might be detrimental to my career I was going to buy a car. but then I might crash, so I gave-up the idea of buying it."
This lad is dead earnest and very happy with the way things are going. "I have no worries at all, except building that house for my mother, and this helps me to really get down to my training and to the fights my manager arranges." Apart from boxing, most spare time is passed learning foreign languages, and already speaks French quite fluently, at present he is getting down to mastering and learning English.
Bullfighting Bug
He is a great bullfighting enthusiast and is a great friend of the famous bullfighter Litri. Now then he gets into the arena and demonstrates his prowess with the cape but only on a small calf. On the outskirts of Madrid at Galapagar, Julio Avernin has his training quarters and to relieve the monotony of training, Ganliana, his stable mate, Young Martin almost every day go hunting rabbits.
Fred's recent defeat by Duilio, the European lightweight champion, has proved to him he is unwise to venture his own division. Negotiations are in force for a World's featherweight bout with Sandy Sadler but Sandy's recent car a has put a stop to this project temporarily.”I am not worried” declared Fred " I am only 25, Sandy is 30, I can wait "
Boxing News 1st October 1952
Billy Dean has been Cattle Drover, Lumber Jack and Sailor
But Always A Boxer
THE adventures which 22-year old Billy Dean of Woolwich has crowded into his short life would make Errol Flynn's most swashbuckling films look like Sunday School stories by comparison.
Son of a time-serving soldier, Billy's schooldays were not exactly the happiest of his life. In fact, until he was thirteen he hardly knew what it was to have a home he could call his own. At this period in his life, because of domestic trouble, he was taken in hand by Father Young of Woolwich who had nurtured several other boys whose family circumstances were none too happy. Billy's respect for Father Young amounts to almost hero worship.
In the two years which followed. young Dean made up much of his lost leeway in his schooling and got his first lessons in boxing. Father Young was a man who thought there was no better way for a growing youth to get rid of his surplus energy than by having a couple of rounds with the gloves on in the gym. Here he not only taught the boys the rudiments of boxing but the fundamental principles of sportsmanship.
When Billy was fifteen. Father Young got him into the Merchant Navy and very soon he made his debut in the boxing ring, being chosen to represent
the M.N. against the R.A.F. in a charity show at Southend. This was in 1943.
About a year later Billy had had enough of the sea and signed off his ship in Melbourne and became a cattle-drover. The hard work, he open-air life
and lots of good food soon built the muscles of a naturally husky youth and before long Billy found himself the amateur champion of Eastern Victoria. He reached the final of he State title but was beaten on mints by Snowy Dawson, the all Australia Police champion.
About this time a travelling booth came along and Billy could not resist the temptation of joining up, and so with Ray Bell's booth he travelled over the Australian continent taking on all comers, a truly great experience.
OUTPOINTED CHAMPION
While in Sydney, Bell got him couple of contests in the famous Sydney Stadium. In the first, he outpointed Ronnie Rolls. Light heavyweight champion of Western Australia and in the second he knocked out a tough customer called Porky Davis. Billy boxed under the name of "Dixie" Dean. At this time in Australia. an American called the "Alabama Kid" was campaigning and he was so impressed with young Dean that he engaged him as a sparring partner which, at sixteen years of age was — so Billy thought — no mean achievement.
This job, however, did not last long and when the booth moved on, Billy had to look for another job. As nothing easy appealed to his young adventurer he tried lumber-jacking and became so proficient that before long he was able to enter professional wood chopping competitions, a feature of Australian life which draws
big crowds. and he won prizes, some of which amounted to £100.
SWIMMING TEACHER
Billy's heart was in boxing, however and as this kind of work did not give him many opportunities he returned to Sydney and while waiting for contests took a job as a swimming instructor at one of the public swimming baths. He did get a few odd contests but not nearly enough to satisfy his growing desire for a ring career, and so
he decided to come back to the Old Country and see what it had to offer.
On the way home the ship called at Cape Town and the captain announced that boxers were wanted for a charity show in town next evening. Needless to say Billy volunteered. He does not know who his opponent was, but he won. His first task in this country was to find a gym where he could train and the nearest was Billy Cottrell's at the "Torbay," Rotherhithe. His form impressed the old Bermondsey middleweight who has managed him ever since.
A, B.B.B. of C., licence to box was obtained for Dean and before there was time for him to recover from his sea legs he had his first bout in this country, beating Robert James in one round on October 26, 1949.
BLAMES WEATHER
He blames our weather for a points defeat in his second contest against Aiden Simons, for the lad not yet got used to the cold. In his last fight of 1949, Billy beat Brian Anders, the referee stopping the contest in the second round.
Four victories followed, all inside the distance, and then Billy lad to bow the knee to experienced Reg Spring, who had about fifty no contests under his belt. Billy did well in the early part of the bout, but found that Spring's weight advantage of nine and a half pounds was too much of a handicap, and the referee stopped the bout in the fifth.
In January, 1951, Billy beat Ron Fitch in three rounds, but in so doing sustained an injury to the optic nerve of his right eye. This was indeed a blow, for in between fights he had been acting as sparring partner to Don Cockell, and had gained a lot of useful experience from these workouts.
After being out of action for twelve months Billy's luck took a turn for the better. He was pronounced fit to fight again, and last December beat Wally Curtis in five rounds. Although he has been in more or less regular demand ever since, he cannot get the kind of opponents he wants. He has won six out of eight bouts this year, but has only once managed to obtain a fight with a rated British light-heavyweight.
In this instance he came in as a substitute at short notice, was not in strict training and consequently was defeated. But his conqueror was none other than George Walker, former A.B.A. champion and one of the best at his weight in the country.
Billy understood he was getting a return bout, but this has not materialised. He openly challenges Walker to another contest, and would be prepared to put up a side-stake in addition. Billy Dean's only ambition at the moment is a Lonsdale Belt. " When I've won that," said Billy, then I'll be content."
Volume 3- No 6 22 Oct , 2008
www.boxingbiographies.com
If you wish to receive future newsletters ( which includes the images ) please email the message “NEWS LETTER”
[email protected]
The newsletter is also available as a word doc on request
As always the full versions of these articles are on the website
Members Register Facility
You can now register as a user of boxingbiographies.com and post your comments on the individual biographies contained on the site. We hope you will make full use of this option so that we can enhance the quality and quantity of the information we are adding. Since we launched the site in July 2007 we have had over 110,000 visits logged – so we must be doing something right !!!
Boxing News 18th June 1952
DON COCKELL lost his British light-heavyweight title to Randolph Turpin as was generally expected, but he went down fighting. Always a game 'un, the former Battersea blacksmith disputed the issue up to the eleventh round, when, battered into the ropes and practically defenseless, he was saved further punishment by the intervention of the referee. In addition to collecting another British title, Turpin picked up the vacant Empire light-heavyweight crown and therefore holds four championships.
It looked very much as if the title bout would end in the third round, when Cockell went down from a series of shattering jaw punches. He was dazed and hurt, but after taking a count of "eight" recovered sufficiently to hold Turpin off to the bell. After the rough treatment it was all the more surprising to find Don taking the fight to Turpin in the fourth, to win the round by a fair margin.
He then did quite well until the eighth, when the referee called them to account for excessive politeness and demanded more action. Turpin responded with a terrific and sustained attack that soon had Cockell in trouble and only the bell saved him from visiting the boards again.
Once more Don made a good recovery, and, although boxing mainly on the -defensive in the ninth took the tenth by a shade with some good counter-punching and it looked as if the bout might even yet go the distance.
But Randy decreed otherwise. He up a string attack immediately they left their corners and was clear that he meant business. He swarmed over Cockell, who made the mistake of swapping punches, instead of using the ring, with the result that he was soon on the boards.
Don dislikes taking long counts and he was up at " six," an easy mark for the now irrepressible Randy. Slashing blows to the head bad Cockell rolling over and this time he took " eight." simply because he could not rise sooner.
More head punches sent him staggering to the ropes and as he rebounded off them into the path of a further fusillade of punches, the referee jumped between them and waved Turpin to his corner as the victor. The round had lasted only 70 seconds.
Cockell at 12 st 6 ¼ lb. was the heavier by 11 ¾ lb., but this advantage aided him very little, in fact Turpin appeared the stronger in he many clinches and was much he more powerful puncher. This was indeed a battle in which physical condition played a great part. Cockell was well trained and as fit as he knew how to be, but Turpin was in superb trim and stood up to Don's hooks to the body with disdain.
Actually Randy blocked the bulk of these intended body slams with his forearm and elbows and confessed to us afterwards that it was Don's short rights to the head at close - quarters that were his hardest deliveries.
Those who fancied that Turpin could have finished the fight earlier, should bear in mind that for the first time he was boxing a class light-heavyweight and to take chances might have proved fatal as it was, Randy let Cockell do all the leading for the first six rounds, relying solely on countering. In this way he was able to judge the strength of the opposition and incidentally allow Don to expend his nervous energy, while Turpin kept his in reserve until the time came to switch from defence to attack.
Turpin's best scoring blows were his left hooks to the body and jaw. He swung the right hard to the ribs, but his overarm swings were not delivered correctly and ended up as clouts that often sent Cockell staggering.
Had Randy turned his wrist a fraction before the point of impact he would have put Don down and out, and the new champion should practise this punch in readiness for Robinson or Maxim. At the moment this delivery is very reminiscent of Freddie Mills' right chops.
Name: Fred Galiana
Career Record: click
Birth Name: Exuperancio Diaz Galiana
Nationality: Spanish
Birthplace: Quintara de la Orden
Hometown:
Born: 1931-07-02
Died: 2005-07-04
Age at Death: 74
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 5′ 6½″
Spain Mourns Galiana
By Robert Coster
One of the greatest boxers of Spain, Fred Galiana, passed away last week at the age of 74. Galiana fought for 15 years, from featherweight through welterweight, and compiled over 100 victories. His final record was 155-22-12 with 90 KOs. The Spaniard was a phenomenal crowd attraction in Spain in the 50s and 60s, drawing as many 30,000 fans, who delighted in watching his unorthodox style and showmanship. Galiana won the European featherweight title in 1955 in Paris against touted Frenchman Ray Famechon, defended it once before moving up to the lightweight division. American fans were unable to see the talented Spaniard in action since he fought all his career in European rings and Argentina. Galiana was constantly in the top ten ratings in the late 50s but never landed a title shot. Among recognizable names in his record, we can point out the cagey Cuban contender Orlando Zulueta (a draw) and world champions Davey Moore and Duilio Loi (both losses).
Monday, July 11 2005
Boxing News September 7th 1956
Featherweight Champion of Europe
Lightweight Champion of Spain
Fred Galiana
is a
BULL FIGHTER WITH A PUNCH
HE used to be a champion of the Bull Ring. Now he’s champion of the boxing ring. Accepted as the most colourful Spanish personality since Luis Romera,his name is Exuperancio (call him " Fred”) Galiana, holder of the European featherweight championship. In his birthplace of chart.' Quintanar de la Orden, he was recently awarded the freedom of the City, and a street has been named after him. If he should succeed in winning a World title presumably he will be the next Mayor.
His birthplace is about 50 miles from Madrid, but when quite small he moved to the town of Mataro, just outside Spain's biggest industrial city, Barcelona. He left school quite early in life, and took a job in one of the textile factories in his new home town, when barely sixteen years old. Here he started boxing as an amateur and continued to do so for three years, engaging in 45 bouts, winning almost all of them.
Changed his name
When he had just turned 19, along came manager Julio Avernin, who was so struck by this lad's clever ring-craft and natural moves that he persuaded him to turn professional. His name was so difficult to pronounce that he quickly changed it to "Fred." .Early in life Galiana became a bullfighter, and as a "novillero," an amateur, was outstanding. If one examines his present-day boxing style, some moves and characteristics of the bullfighter are still there.
So at the age of 19, he started boxing as a pro, and since 1950 has engaged in nearly 100 bouts.
When Romero retired, Spain lost a colourful fighter, but then Galiana made his appearance and also made his presence felt abroad, playing havoc with leading European feathers. His manager tags him as the most promising hope Spain has had in a long time to win a World's title, as he is "a very intelligent and hard hitting boxer with a k.o. punch in either fist."
Perhaps his best performance was the outstanding defteat of Jean Sneyers who retired in the sixth round in Sneyers' own back-garden, Brussels. This victory rocketed Fred to the top of the Continental boxing world and Galiana says "This fight really made me very happy for I was named challenger to Famechon's title and also established myself in world class."
After his resounding victory, his manager matched him with American Percy Basset, the long-established terror of European feathers. Unfortunately Basset had to withdraw because of an injury to his right eye.This bout would have given Galiana a great boost, for it could have paved the way for a direct title shot with Sandy Saddler. On the other hand if he had lost he would not have been disgraced ; for Basset has twice beaten Ray Famechon, and being young Fred would have had plenty of time to work his way back to the top.
The European crown
It is now fistic history how Fred beat Famechon in six rounds to annex the European featherweight title.Galiana is a modest youngster, success has not gone to his head ,and he does not boast of his prowess. He does not underestimate any opponent and is completely wrapped up with his boxing. He likes to train and never gets tired. of it, for he maintains that since success depends on the training one has, then it's just as well to enjoy training. He believes in always being in tip-top condition and follows rigidly a set of rules instituted by his manager and himself.
He does not smoke or drink and after a fight has three days holiday, then it's back again to the gym. As he himself says, " I have dedicated myself entirely to boxing and I have no regrets whatsoever of having chosen this career.I have great determination to reach the top."
Dual titles
Way back in 1953. he unsuccessfully tried to wrest the national featherweight title from Jose Hernandez but was outpointed over 12 rounds. This did not stop him from reaching the top and at the beginning of last year he annexed the Spanish lightweight crown. Nowadays he fights feathers as well as lights and has no problem whatsoever with the scales.
There is only one woman in Galiana's life and that is his mother, and he wants her to live like a queen for " she has sacrificed a lot for me," he says. "At present I have no idea of marrying, for there is plenty of time when I decide to hang up the gloves. Now I only love my mother and boxing." At present he is building a " dream farm" for his mother with chickens, cows. etc. and will move in with her when it's finished. There he plans to set up his training quarters.
Strong willed
He has a tidy sum of money in the bank to help him with the projects he has in mind when he finishes with boxing. But he said " Now I deprive myself of anything which might be detrimental to my career I was going to buy a car. but then I might crash, so I gave-up the idea of buying it."
This lad is dead earnest and very happy with the way things are going. "I have no worries at all, except building that house for my mother, and this helps me to really get down to my training and to the fights my manager arranges." Apart from boxing, most spare time is passed learning foreign languages, and already speaks French quite fluently, at present he is getting down to mastering and learning English.
Bullfighting Bug
He is a great bullfighting enthusiast and is a great friend of the famous bullfighter Litri. Now then he gets into the arena and demonstrates his prowess with the cape but only on a small calf. On the outskirts of Madrid at Galapagar, Julio Avernin has his training quarters and to relieve the monotony of training, Ganliana, his stable mate, Young Martin almost every day go hunting rabbits.
Fred's recent defeat by Duilio, the European lightweight champion, has proved to him he is unwise to venture his own division. Negotiations are in force for a World's featherweight bout with Sandy Sadler but Sandy's recent car a has put a stop to this project temporarily.”I am not worried” declared Fred " I am only 25, Sandy is 30, I can wait "
Boxing News 1st October 1952
Billy Dean has been Cattle Drover, Lumber Jack and Sailor
But Always A Boxer
THE adventures which 22-year old Billy Dean of Woolwich has crowded into his short life would make Errol Flynn's most swashbuckling films look like Sunday School stories by comparison.
Son of a time-serving soldier, Billy's schooldays were not exactly the happiest of his life. In fact, until he was thirteen he hardly knew what it was to have a home he could call his own. At this period in his life, because of domestic trouble, he was taken in hand by Father Young of Woolwich who had nurtured several other boys whose family circumstances were none too happy. Billy's respect for Father Young amounts to almost hero worship.
In the two years which followed. young Dean made up much of his lost leeway in his schooling and got his first lessons in boxing. Father Young was a man who thought there was no better way for a growing youth to get rid of his surplus energy than by having a couple of rounds with the gloves on in the gym. Here he not only taught the boys the rudiments of boxing but the fundamental principles of sportsmanship.
When Billy was fifteen. Father Young got him into the Merchant Navy and very soon he made his debut in the boxing ring, being chosen to represent
the M.N. against the R.A.F. in a charity show at Southend. This was in 1943.
About a year later Billy had had enough of the sea and signed off his ship in Melbourne and became a cattle-drover. The hard work, he open-air life
and lots of good food soon built the muscles of a naturally husky youth and before long Billy found himself the amateur champion of Eastern Victoria. He reached the final of he State title but was beaten on mints by Snowy Dawson, the all Australia Police champion.
About this time a travelling booth came along and Billy could not resist the temptation of joining up, and so with Ray Bell's booth he travelled over the Australian continent taking on all comers, a truly great experience.
OUTPOINTED CHAMPION
While in Sydney, Bell got him couple of contests in the famous Sydney Stadium. In the first, he outpointed Ronnie Rolls. Light heavyweight champion of Western Australia and in the second he knocked out a tough customer called Porky Davis. Billy boxed under the name of "Dixie" Dean. At this time in Australia. an American called the "Alabama Kid" was campaigning and he was so impressed with young Dean that he engaged him as a sparring partner which, at sixteen years of age was — so Billy thought — no mean achievement.
This job, however, did not last long and when the booth moved on, Billy had to look for another job. As nothing easy appealed to his young adventurer he tried lumber-jacking and became so proficient that before long he was able to enter professional wood chopping competitions, a feature of Australian life which draws
big crowds. and he won prizes, some of which amounted to £100.
SWIMMING TEACHER
Billy's heart was in boxing, however and as this kind of work did not give him many opportunities he returned to Sydney and while waiting for contests took a job as a swimming instructor at one of the public swimming baths. He did get a few odd contests but not nearly enough to satisfy his growing desire for a ring career, and so
he decided to come back to the Old Country and see what it had to offer.
On the way home the ship called at Cape Town and the captain announced that boxers were wanted for a charity show in town next evening. Needless to say Billy volunteered. He does not know who his opponent was, but he won. His first task in this country was to find a gym where he could train and the nearest was Billy Cottrell's at the "Torbay," Rotherhithe. His form impressed the old Bermondsey middleweight who has managed him ever since.
A, B.B.B. of C., licence to box was obtained for Dean and before there was time for him to recover from his sea legs he had his first bout in this country, beating Robert James in one round on October 26, 1949.
BLAMES WEATHER
He blames our weather for a points defeat in his second contest against Aiden Simons, for the lad not yet got used to the cold. In his last fight of 1949, Billy beat Brian Anders, the referee stopping the contest in the second round.
Four victories followed, all inside the distance, and then Billy lad to bow the knee to experienced Reg Spring, who had about fifty no contests under his belt. Billy did well in the early part of the bout, but found that Spring's weight advantage of nine and a half pounds was too much of a handicap, and the referee stopped the bout in the fifth.
In January, 1951, Billy beat Ron Fitch in three rounds, but in so doing sustained an injury to the optic nerve of his right eye. This was indeed a blow, for in between fights he had been acting as sparring partner to Don Cockell, and had gained a lot of useful experience from these workouts.
After being out of action for twelve months Billy's luck took a turn for the better. He was pronounced fit to fight again, and last December beat Wally Curtis in five rounds. Although he has been in more or less regular demand ever since, he cannot get the kind of opponents he wants. He has won six out of eight bouts this year, but has only once managed to obtain a fight with a rated British light-heavyweight.
In this instance he came in as a substitute at short notice, was not in strict training and consequently was defeated. But his conqueror was none other than George Walker, former A.B.A. champion and one of the best at his weight in the country.
Billy understood he was getting a return bout, but this has not materialised. He openly challenges Walker to another contest, and would be prepared to put up a side-stake in addition. Billy Dean's only ambition at the moment is a Lonsdale Belt. " When I've won that," said Billy, then I'll be content."