Fight:75506

Turkey Thompson won the State Athletic Commission's recognation as California heavyweight champion by punching out a 10-round decision over Tommy Martin at the Hollywood Stadium. Thompson, a 2-to-1 favorite, was expected to stop Martin and during the first two rounds such an ending was looked for at any moment. Thompson carried the fight to Martin from the start and nailed Tommy with some heavy punches in the opening round that rocked the Britisher to his heels. After pasting Martin around for three rounds, Turkey slowed down, for the London N-g-o proved to be a tough customer. Thompson concentrated on body punches from the fourth to the eight rounds, but with little effect, as Martin continually tied him up and forged ahead in three of these rounds with two-fisted spurts. It was not until the ninth that Thompson again took command due to a right that injured the Londoner's left eye. Martin back-pedaled all during this ninth round, with Thompson in hot pursuit, but Turkey could not land another effective blow. It was in the final round that Thompson turned a close fight into a decisive victory. He felled Martin for a seven-count and completely closed the injured eye. Turkey dropped Martin three times more before the final bell, but the game Britisher was still on his pins at the finish.

The Stadium was packed by 7 o'clock and thousands were turned away.

The Ring, April, 1941, Harry E. Winkler - --palais 04:17, 14 May 2005 (CDT)