39 years ago

Date: 20th February 1985

Venue: Alexandra Palace, Muswell Hill, London

Title: WBC World Flyweight Title

Promoter: Frank Warren

Tv: ITV

Sot Chitalada
( 7 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 111¾ lbs

Charlie Magri
( 29 - 3 - 0 )
Weight: 111¾ lbs

On Wednesday 20th February 1985, the Alexandra Palace in Wood Green, London played host to the WBC World Flyweight Title fight between defending champion Sot Chitalada of Chonburi, Thailand and British challenger Charlie Magri. Promoted by Frank Warren and aired on ITV, it was the first defense for Chitalada.

Both boxers weighed in at 111¾ lbs for the 12-round fight, with referee Marty Denkin officiating. In the second round, Magri landed a heavy overhand right that momentarily wobbled Chitalada. The exchanges became more intense as the round progressed, with Chitalada digging in.

In the fourth round, Magri sustained a cut over his left eyelid. After a doctor inspected the cut in-between rounds, the fight was waved off by trainer Terry Lawless and Magri lost by retirement at 3:00. Chitalada successfully defended his title.

Chitalada had paid 100,000 British pounds to come and defend his title in hostile territory. It was a hard-fought victory for the young Thai fighter, who was just 22 years old at the time.

Magri, who was 29 years old, felt let down by his trainer after the fight. He had put his trust and faith in him for his entire professional career, but those words hurt him more than any punch could. Sentiment rarely has a place in boxing, and Lawless, Magri's trainer, was never forgiven. They never spoke again.