McGOWAN CHAMPION?

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31087, 16 June 1966, Page 17

McGOWAN CHAMPION?

Scot Not Recognised (N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON. The World Boxing Council will refuse to recognise the 23-year-old Scot, W. McGowan, as the new world fly-weight champion. McGowan won the title when he outpointed the Italian, S. Burruni, on points at Wembley on Tuesday. McGowan's clear-cut victory avenged a points defeat in Italy two years ago, when he challenged Burruni unsuccessfully for the title. On the day of the fight, however, the World Boxing Council announced that it would not be for the world champion. Mr L. Spota, president of the W.8.C., said that Burruni was stripped of his title because he did not defend it against H. Ebihara (Japan) before last November 1 as the WJB.C. had insisted. Mr Spota said that the organisations signing the agreement to strip Burruni of the title included the British Boxing Board of Control, the European Boxing Union, and the World Boxing Association. Ebihara was to have fought Accavailo (Argentina) for the vacant title, but Ebihara was injured and Takayama fought in ‘his place. Accavailo won and is recognised as champion by the W.B.C. He is to defend his title against Ebihara on July 8.