45 years ago

Date: 17th April 1979

Title: vacant WBC World Lightweight Title

Promoter: Glasgow Sports Promotion Council

Tv: BBC

Jim Watt
( 33 - 7 - 0 )
Weight: 134½ lbs

Alfredo Pitalua
( 30 - 4 - 2 )
Weight: 135 lbs

On Tuesday 17th April 1979, the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow, Scotland, hosted one of the most memorable fights in Scottish boxing history, when Jim Watt faced Alfredo Pitalua for the vacant WBC World Lightweight Title. The fight was promoted by Glasgow Sports Promotion Council and aired on BBC, drawing a significant amount of attention from the public and the media.

Jim Watt, who was born in Glasgow and was a fan favorite, had a record of 29 wins and only one loss before the fight. Alfredo Pitalua, on the other hand, came from Cartagena, Colombia, with a record of 23 wins, one draw, and one loss. Both fighters were in great shape and had their eyes set on the vacant WBC World Lightweight Title.

The fight started with both fighters showing their skills and abilities, but it was clear from the beginning that Jim Watt was the stronger and more experienced boxer. Watt was quick and accurate with his punches, while Pitalua relied on his speed and agility to avoid getting hit. The first few rounds were closely contested, with both boxers exchanging blows and trying to gain an advantage.

As the fight progressed, it became clear that Jim Watt was slowly but surely gaining the upper hand. He was landing more punches and was able to penetrate Pitalua's defense more easily. By the 9th round, Pitalua was starting to tire, and Watt was taking advantage of this by landing some powerful blows to his opponent's head and body.

In the 12th round, Jim Watt delivered a crushing left hook to Pitalua's head, which sent him to the canvas. Pitalua tried to get up, but he was clearly disoriented, and the referee decided to stop the fight, giving Jim Watt the victory by TKO in the 12th round. The crowd at the Kelvin Hall erupted in celebration, and Jim Watt was crowned the new WBC World Lightweight Champion.

The victory was a significant achievement for Jim Watt, who became only the second Scottish boxer to win a world title. The win also cemented his position as one of the greatest Scottish boxers of all time.