Gavilan was right behind SRR in the late forties. He tried to Move up from WW Champ to beat Bobo Olsen MW Champ, but failed in 1954. In 1953, Gavilan retained the title by a knockout in ten against Chuck Davey, by a decision in 15 against Carmen Basilio and by a decision in 15 against Bratton. He had seven non-title bouts, losing to Danny Womber, but beating Ralph Tiger Jones. In 1954 Gavilan went up in weight. After two more points wins, he challenged world Middleweight champion Bobo Olson for the world title, but lost a decision in 15. Then, he went down in weight, and lost his world Welterweight championship, by a decision in 15 to Johnny Saxton. That same year, he appeared on a Telemundo Puerto Rico poster that promoted that country's first television transmission.[ This content is protected 1954-04-02 : Kid Gavilan 155 lbs lost to Bobo Olson 159½ lbs by MD in round 15 of 15 Location: Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, USA Referee: Bernie Weismann 141-147 Judge: William O'Connell 139-147 Judge: Ed Hintz 144-144 World Middleweight Title Program cover "Bobo Olson, last night, hacked and harassed a left handed punching Kid Gavilan, whose right eye was spurting blood from the 9th round on, for a majority 15 round decision before 18,562 roaring fans at the Chicago Stadium. Gavilan repeatedly flashed vicious left hooks to the body and head which seemed to stun Olson. But Bobo seldom took a backward step and was willing to match punching power whenever the Kid elected. Gavilan coasted through the 11th, 12th and 13th rounds, trying unsuccessfully to salvage each of those rounds with his patented flurries. In the final analysis, it was Bobo's persistency and crisp hacking combinations to the body and head which repulsed Gavilan's bid to emulate Ray Robinson's climb from the 147 to 160 pound championship." Associated Press Purses (including TV monies): Olson - $122,866, Gavilan - $87,762 Unofficial scorecards: AP: 142-141 Olson UP: 142-140 Olson Of 13 fight scribes polled at ringside, all 13 scored in favor of Olson Kid Gavilan claimed he had injured his right hand on February 23rd in Miami against Johnny Cunningham. The IBC set Olson's next title defense for September against Joey Giardello. However, Giardello was convicted of beating up a gas station attendant over a dispute over the price of gas and the fight was scrubbed.
A short, sad, but interesting article you guys may like about how life treated the Keed in the late 80's. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1986-10-26/sports/8603200680_1_kid-gavilan-fights-cuba
