CHAMP AGAIN

IN Madrid, Spanish-naturalised Cuban Jose Legra regained the European featherweight belt with a convincing 15-round decision over Italy’s Tommaso Galli.

Legra became European champion in 1967 but had to vacate it after winning the world title against Howard Winstone the following year. Following his loss to Johnny Famechon, he went on the comeback trail.

The fight started slowly but from the sixth round onwards Legra used his dazzling speed to inflict facial wounds on Galli and in the 13th stanza almost found an early finish.

Galli was dropped to his knees after a scything flurry but gamely rose. The onslaught continued in the final stages of the fight, to the delight of the 14,000 sell-out crowd, but the Italian refused to fold and fought back stubbornly until the final bell.