Lester Felton vs. Kid Gavilan
Kid Gavilan 145 lbs lost to Lester Felton 145 lbs by SD in round 10 of 10
- Date: 1949-10-21
- Location: Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Referee: Morrie Sherman 48-52
- Judge: Joe Lenahan 54-46
- Judge: Sam Pearlstein 49-51
Lester Felton beat Kid Gavilan by ten rounds decision, a decision so controversial even Felton's fans disagreed with it.
"Lester Felton, the 20-year-old Detroiter was awarded a severely criticized split decision after he outran Kid Gavilan of Cuba for practically the entire 10 rounds in Olympia Stadium last night. Gavilan, ranked as the No. 1 contender for Ray Robinson's welterweight crown, was a 3-1 favorite at ringside, but he spent practically the whole fight in a futile effort to corner Felton. Felton scurried backwards, flicking out a long left to bother Gavilan considerably, and it was only in the 8th and 10th that the Detroiter stood still for some toe-to-toe slugging. Felton took everything Gavilan could land and got a big hand after the final bell as the fans applauded his spirit against the Cuban. The cheers turned to boos, however, as the verdict was announced and a demonstration lasted through the first round of the next bout." -Associated Press
- The AP did not disclose an exact unofficial card other than saying that the only round they awarded to Felton was the 8th.
- On October 27th the Michigan State Boxing Commission suspended Referee Maurie Sherman and Judge Sam Pearlstein for their scoring of this bout.
- Attendance - 13,184
- Gate - $29,750
Post-fight comments
- "The worst decision I've ever seen." -Sam Greene, of the Detroit News
- "We'll never use these guys again." -Michigan State Boxing Commission Secretary Souriall, on the two suspended officials