Walter Byars vs. Bobby Murphy (1st meeting)

Walter Byars 142 lbs beat Bobby Murphy 147 lbs by UD in round 10 of 10

• Date: 1956-02-23
• Location: Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Referee: Billy Connelly 100-92
• Judge: Joe Ricciotti 99-94
• Judge: Joe Santoro 99-87

Boston (UP) Walter Byars of Boston administered a sound boxing lesson to townsman Bobby Murphy last night in lifting his New England welterweight title at the Arena. Byars, 141 ¾, made Murphy, 146 ¾, voted “rookie of the year” in 1955, look downright foolish in spots, as he gained a unanimous 10-round decision. Byars was quick, took the aggressor’s role at the start and hit consistently with a looping right and left hand leads. He covered up well, slipped punches and wouldn’t let Murphy connect with his vaunted right. The victory ended Murphy’s unbeaten streak at 16. There were no knockdowns. Referee Bill Connolly voted 100-92 for Byars. Judge Joe Ricciotti called it 99-94 and Joe Santoro 99-87. Murphy had won the regional welter title only two weeks ago from Jack O’Brien.