South Yorkshire Times and Express, September 1st, 1951

Weight – and McGovern

Billy Loses His Title

Weight – and Tommy McGovern, Billy Thompson’s stablemate, have had at last taken the British Lightweight Boxing title from the South Yorkshireman. It has become increasingly apparent that Billy has had considerable difficulty in making the lightweight poundage, and a long gruelling in a Turkish bath, coupled with further strenuous exercise to make the weight, were the principal factors in McGovern’s 45 seconds victory at Wandsworth Stadium, London on Tuesday.

Billy said after the fight; “I took too much out of myself. I have done this before but never again.”

History has, in many respects repeated itself, for Stan Hawthorne, whom Thompson beat for the title in three sensational rounds in Anfield Road, Liverpool, on October 16th, 1947 was only one ounce inside of the lightweight limit when he entered the ring.

Down for two counts of six in the second round, an abject Hawthorne staggered to his feet to meet with a full Thompson battery, and in round three referee Peter Muir stepped in to stop the fight. Less than 15 mins after entering the ring and four days before his 22nd birthday Billy became one of the most sensational titleholders of many years. Now McGovern has achieved a similar lightening success.

Billy Thompson won his first title at the age of 13 – Schoolboys’ championship. After A.T.C. and A.B.A. championships he turned professional in 1945. It seems that now we shall be seeing Billy among the welterweight. Whatever his decision South Yorkshiremen will wish him well. Totally unspoiled by success, Billy holds a very high place in local regard and he well deserves it.