Dave Sands wins world boxing title. Tutored by Tom Maguire at his Hamilton boxing gymnasium (Newcastle), Sands has by this time beaten all his local opponents and most American “imports”. His fight against French boxer Tony Toniolo in 1949 leads the English promoter Jack Solomons to take an interest in him and Sands begins his campaign for a world title. In 1949, Sands defeats Robert Villemain in the “fight of the year” and months later is victorious over Dick Turpin in less than 3 minutes for the British Empire middleweight title. (ADB)