Vernon Sollas was born on 14 August 1954 and is a Scottish former boxer, businessman and music manager, who was British featherweight champion between 1975 and 1977.
13 Facts About Vernon Sollas
1.
2.
Vernon Sollas's father was a boxer; he came to Britain in 1948 from Jamaica on the well-known voyage of the Empire Windrush.
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Vernon Sollas was one of a number of Jamaican boxers being brought to Britain by the promoter Mortimer 'Buddy' Martin.
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The younger Vernon Sollas fought as an amateur out of the Madison ABC, and in 1972 finished runner-up to Kirkland Laing in the ABA featherweight final.
5.
Vernon Sollas turned professional in 1973 and moved base to London where he was managed by former British champion Bobby Neill, stopping John O'Rawe in his debut in February.
6.
Vernon Sollas fought eight more times that year, including wins over Albert Amatler and Bashew Sibaca, losing only once, to George McGurk.
7.
Vernon Sollas avenged his earlier loss, knocking Revie out in the fourth round to become British champion, at 18 years old the youngest-ever Scot to win the title.
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Bobby Neill 8.
Vernon Sollas won his next five fights, all inside the distance, and in February 1976, after being named number one challenger by the EBU, fought for Elio Cotena's European title at the York Hall, Bethnal Green.
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Vernon Sollas won his next five, including a third round stoppage of Tommy Glencross and a win over Arnold Taylor, before being stopped in February 1977 by Les Pickett.
10.
In July 1977, Vernon Sollas faced Dave Needham at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall.
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Vernon Sollas recovered fully but announced his retirement later that night.
12.
In 33 professional fights, Vernon Sollas won 25,21 inside the distance.
13.
Vernon Sollas later became a businessman based in London, including managing rock bands.