Famechon Wins Title

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31894, 23 January 1969, Page 13

Famechon Wins Title

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) LONDON. T h e Australian, Johnny Famechon, became feather-weight champion of the world yesterday when he out - pointed Jose Legra, of Spain, over 15 rounds. Famechon brought about one of the biggest sporting upsets since Cassius Clay beat Sonny Liston for the heavy-weight crown by defeating the 5/1 on favourite, Legra. Famechon, aged 23, was a 3/1 chance, and no world challenger since Clay won his bout at 7/1 has been successful at such liberal odds. Defying Britain’s sporting pundits, who unanimously predicted a win for Legra, the dapper Australian punched his way into a winning lead in the second half of the hour-long battle. He won the crown by steadfastly refusing to bow to Legra’s intimidating style. Constantly attacking with telling left jabs. Faincchon wore the dancing Legra down until he was able to catch the handsome Negro and take a! points lead in the closing! stages. It was in the second half j of the bout that FamechonJ to the delight of the chanting, roaring crowd, took the honours into the Australian) corner. Furious Finale A furious final round saw! Legra trying desperately to I regain his prestige and retain his title, but Famechon would not concede an inch. Famechon kept coming forward, with his shorter arms working into Legra’s body. Although he did not land one match-wining punch he gained the decision for his constant hard work and dazzling precision punching. Famechon, who does not enjoy boxing—but is in the game for money—had a lot of trouble keeping a foothold on the canvas and slipped

during the fight many times. At no stage did he take a count from the referee, Mr G. Smith, who handled the fight well. The new champion travelled a total of 50,000 miles for his shot at the crown. He made the trip to Britain in November only to hear the fight had to be postponed becaused Legra had injured himself. Famechon returned again in the New Year and for the next fortnight underwent a concentrated preparation at the famous Thomas A'Beckett hotel-gymnasium in the East End of London. Bewildered Conceding height and reach, Famechon appeared a little bewildered in the early stages as he tried to evolve a way to get past Legra’s punishing left hand. It was not until the third round when he landed a good right hook to Legra’s jaw that the Australian gained confi-

dence. After losing the first two rounds h e finished this one even. Legra twice managed to cut his opponent on the face, but with good work in the corner Famechon never looked as if he would be troubled by bleeding. Trailing on points for the first eight rounds, Famechon was able to peg Legra back from the tenth when his attacking tactics won him a standing ovation from the crowd. He was beginning to tire the dancing legs of Legra, who had earlier frequently scorned a seat between rounds. From the twelfth round Legra had stopped grinning to his packed Spanish corner and was grimly getting down to the business of boxing, but the battle was lost. Standing toe to toe with Legra, the Australian gave as good as he got and appeared to win all of the final four rounds.