[1] 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 (51kg) final.
[2] He 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.
He beat Sibaca again in May and in June faced British champion Evan Armstrong in a non-title fight, losing by knockout in the eighth round.
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.
[5] 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.