Kid Gavilan, the Cuban-born American fighter who was the world welterweight champion from 1951 to 1954, has died of a heart attack aged 77.

Gavilan, whose real name was Gerardo Gonzalez, was born in Cuba in 1926 and made his professional debut at the age oif 17.

A career that spanned 107 fights with 30 losses and six draws, Gavilan was never stopped despite fighting fellow legends Sugar Ray Robinson and Carmen Basilio.

He won the world title from Johnny Bratton and lost it to Johnny Saxton after making seven defences.

Gavilan challenged Carl 'Bobo' Olsen for the middleweight title but lost a decision and quit boxing at the age of 32.