39 years ago

Date: 8th June 1985

Title: WBA World Featherweight Title

Promoter: Barney Eastwood

Tv: BBC

Eusebio Pedroza
( 38 - 3 - 1 )
Weight: 126 lbs

Barry McGuigan
( 26 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 125 3/4 lbs

The WBA World Featherweight Title was up for grabs on 8th June 1985 at Loftus Road Stadium in Shepherd's Bush, London. The titleholder, Eusebio Pedroza, was facing challenger Barry McGuigan. The fight was promoted by Barney Eastwood and was refereed by Stanley Christodoulou. The match was televised live in the UK on the BBC.

Pedroza had a 38-3-1 record and was making his 20th defence of the title, which he had held since April 1978. Meanwhile, McGuigan had a 26-1-0 record and was eager to take the title from Pedroza. Pedroza weighed in at 126lbs, while McGuigan weighed in at 125 3/4 lbs. Pedroza's purse was over $1 million, while McGuigan's was $100,000.

The fight was a tense and exciting one, with a crowd of 26,000 fans in attendance. Before the match, McGuigan's father, Pat McGuigan, sang "Danny Boy" in the ring, adding to the electric atmosphere. The fight was well-matched, with both fighters putting on a strong performance. However, in the seventh round, McGuigan floored Pedroza, which gave him the edge.

In the end, McGuigan won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 148-138 by Stanley Christodoulou, 149-139 by Ove Ovesen, and 147-140 by Fernando Viso. The crowd erupted in cheers as McGuigan was declared the winner, and he celebrated with his family and supporters.