Sot Chitalada Won Back the Flyweight Crown
Sot Chitalada became WBC flyweight champion on October 8, 1984, defeating Gabriel Bernal on points in Bangkok. The Thai boxer later recovered the same championship, giving him two title reigns spanning much of the division’s late-1980s history.
Career highlights
Chitalada’s first reign lasted from 1984 until 1988. His championship schedule included further meetings with Bernal and successful defenses against opponents from several countries, establishing him as a regular presence in the world-title picture.
Yong-Kang Kim ended that reign by decision in South Korea in July 1988. Chitalada returned to face Kim in Trang, Thailand, on June 3, 1989, and won a twelve-round split decision to regain the belt.
The second championship reign
Four successful defenses followed during Chitalada’s second reign. It ended in February 1991, when fellow Thai Muangchai Kittikasem stopped him. His championship story therefore includes both a sustained first run and a successful comeback against the opponent who had taken his title.
One of his overseas defenses came against former champion Charlie Magri in London on February 20, 1985. Magri’s corner stopped the contest after four rounds because of an eyelid cut. The challenger had begun aggressively, but Chitalada increased his pace and landed effectively as the fight developed, retaining the championship away from home.
Sources
- BoxRec: Chitalada’s two WBC title reigns
- BoxRec: WBC flyweight championship results
- Cliff Rold: Chitalada’s championship defenses and career milestones
- United Press International: Chitalada’s February 1985 defense against Charlie Magri
