Kid Gavilan vs. Walter Byars (1st meeting)

Kid Gavilan 148 lbs lost to Walter Byars 145 lbs by SD in round 10 of 10

• Date: 1956-12-04
• Location: Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Referee: Tommy Rawson 96-98
• Judge: John Savko 97-96
• Judge: Tom McNeeley Sr 95-97

Boston - Mechanics Buildng “Walter Byars, 145, Roxbury, New England welterweight crown bearer, scored an upset ten round decision over former world’s title holder, Kid Gavila, 148, Cuba. Byars went into the ring prepared to make the most of his opportunity. He staved off most of Gavilan’s early rushes and then proceded to outbox and outpunch the Cuban Keed. The decision was split but the general consensus was that Byars was the rightful winner. Ringside report by Ring magazine’s Don Hamill. Kid Gavilan and his people were angry with the decision. Some fans at ringside booed the decision, while others cheered. The AP agreed with the decision stating “Byars landed more punches, and most of Gavilan’s blows, especially his bolo swings bounced off Byars elbows and shoulders.”