Gil Turner vs. Vince Martinez
Gil Turner 146 lbs lost to Vince Martinez 147 lbs by MD in round 12 of 12
- Date: 1958-01-15
- Location: Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Referee: Pete Pantaleo 53-54
- Judge: Nate Lopinson 55-55
- Judge: Jim Mina 54-56
Eliminator for Vacant World Welterweight Title
"Vince Martinez won the right last night for the fight to determine a successor to Carmen Basilio as welterweight king by outpointing Philadelphia's Gil Turner in a 12-round bout. Martinez, of Paterson, N.J., received only a majority decision but established a clear superiority over Turner with sharp punching, especially in the final three rounds. Last night's fight followed the expected pattern. Turner kept after Martinez throughout, seeking to get in close for his damaging shots to the body and head. But Martinez kept him off with a sharp left jab and overhand right. Martinez was never in trouble and finished strong. He staggered Turner in the 11th with a left hook that sent the Philadelphian reeling." -Associated Press
- Unofficial AP scorecard - 54-48 Martinez
- The other participants in the tournament was Virgil Akins, who eliminated Tony DeMarco for the Massachusetts version of the title, Isaac Logart, who eliminated Gaspar Ortega and the last participant was George Barnes of Australia, who was eliminated due to his refusal to leave Australia for the tournament unless his financial demands were met (He was asking for $4,000).
- Martinez received a bye in the tournament while Akins eliminated Logart on March 21, 1958, which set up Vince Martinez v Virgil Akins for the vacant welterweight title.
- Attendance - 7,120
- Gate - $37,959