40 years ago
Sot Chitalada vs Charlie Magri
Date: 20th February 1985
Venue: Alexandra Palace, Muswell Hill, London
Title: WBC World Flyweight Title
Promoter: Frank Warren
Referee: Marty Denkin
Tv: ITV Sport
Sot Chitalada
(
7
-
1
-
0
)
Weight: 111¾ lbs
Charlie Magri
(
29
-
3
-
0
)
Weight: 111¾ lbs
On Wednesday, February 20, 1985, the Alexandra Palace in Wood Green, London, hosted the WBC World Flyweight Title fight between defending champion Sot Chitalada of Thailand and British challenger Charlie Magri. Frank Warren promoted the fight, which aired on ITV and marked Chitalada's first title defence.
Both boxers weighed 111¾ lbs for the 12-round bout, which was officiated by referee Marty Denkin. In the 2nd round, Magri landed a heavy overhand right that momentarily wobbled Chitalada, leading to intense exchanges.
In the fourth round, Magri sustained a cut over his left eyelid. After a doctor inspected the cut between rounds, Magri's trainer, Terry Lawless, waved off the fight, resulting in Magri losing by retirement at the end of the round. Chitalada had successfully defended his title.
Chitalada was paid £100,000 to defend his title in London. The victory was a hard-fought one for the young Thai fighter, who was just 22 years old at the time.
Magri, who was not 29, felt let down by his trainer after the fight. He had trusted Lawless throughout his professional career, but the decision to stop the fight hurt him deeply. Sentiment rarely has a place in boxing, and Lawless was never forgiven by Magri. They reportedly never spoke again after the fight.
Sot Chitalada vs Charlie Magri on YouTube
