74 years ago

Date: 17th March 1950

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, USA

Title: World Featherweight Title

Promoter: Mike Jacobs

Willie Pep
( 146 - 2 - 1 )
Weight: 124¾ lbs

Ray Famechon
( 59 - 5 - 0 )
Weight: 125 lbs

On March 17, 1950, an intriguing world featherweight title match took place at Madison Square Garden, New York, USA, featuring Willie Pep and Ray Famechon. Both fighters weighed in under the 126 lb featherweight limit, Pep weighing 124¾ lbs and Famechon weighing 125 lbs for this contest. The match was a display of skill and strategy, culminating in a unanimous decision after 15 rounds in favour of Willie Pep.

Ray Famechon, a French boxer born on November 8, 1924, in Maubeuge, came into this fight with a rich background in the sport. Raised in a working-class family in the industrial Sambre basin, Famechon was the eleventh child who followed in the footsteps of his two older brothers under the encouragement of their father. Beginning his career in the ring at the tender age of 18, Famechon quickly climbed the ranks by winning his first French flyweight champion title in 1942. After transitioning to professional boxing, he captured the French featherweight title in September 1945.

The bout against Willie Pep was one of Famechon's attempts to capture the supreme title of world champion. Despite his formidable track record, the match at Madison Square Garden was a challenging contest against one of boxing's greats. The fight was scored by Referee Ruby Goldstein 10-3, Judge Jack O'Sullivan 9-3, and Judge Charley Shortell 12-3, all in favour of Pep.

This match was symbolic of Famechon's resilience and determination. Even after his defeat by Pep, Famechon continued to compete at the highest levels. He tried to win the world title again on February 9, 1953, against Percy Bassett but was unsuccessful. That same year, he briefly lost his European title, only to regain it eleven months later. Famechon's career continued until 1955, when he lost his title to Spanish boxer Fred Galiana and ultimately retired in October 1956 after a bout against British boxer Bobby O'Neill in London.

The fight against Willie Pep showcased not only the technical prowess of both boxers but also the international spirit of boxing. It brought together two of the finest featherweights from across the Atlantic to compete on one of the world's most renowned stages.