Philly Boxing History

DECEMBER 19, 1957

Candy McFarland W8 Norman Young
The Cambria - Philadelphia, PA

Marvin "Candy" McFarland was a highly-rated amateur and a promising prospect of the 1950's. So promising in fact, he was signed to a management contract by "The Emperor", George Gainsford, who also steered the great Sugar Ray Robinson. Sugar Ray helped McFarland develop his skills and often worked his corner during fights.

Although McFarland was knocked out in his very first pro start (in 3 rounds by Joe Reynolds), he put together a very solid streak at the beginning of his career and started to climb the lightweight ranks. Early bouts included wins over J.D. Ellis, Ernie Bibbs, Ray Lancaster, and a close decision loss to Eddie Perkins.

On this day in 1957, Candy won an 8-round decision over Norman Young, in the main event at The Cambria AC. The win pushed his record to 7-1. In an early preliminary bout that night, Philadelphia's Len Matthews won his fourth pro bout.

Two years later, in 1959, Matthews and McFarland met in New York, and Mathews' convincing 10-round victory marked the beginning of the end for Candy McFarland. Although a couple of nice wins were ahead for him, McFarland retired about a year after the fight only to return for a few more bouts after a five-year lay off. Overall, he posted a fine career record of 21-7-1 (5 KO).

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