Thai boxer retains world title

Press, 24 June 1985, Page 25

Thai boxer retains world title

Thailand’s World Boxing Council flyweight champion Sot Chitrlada retained his title when he drew with Mexican challenger Gabriel Bernal in his second title defence yesterday at the national gymnasium in Bangkok. Two judges — Australian Malcolm Bulner’ and Italian Angelo Poletti — made the scores 115-115 and 114-114 respectively. American judge Martin Denkin gave Sot a 116-112 win. Bernal, methodically stalking his opponent, floored the 23-year-old Thai twice, seconds into the first round with a stunning left hook, and then in the eighth, with a furious roundhouse left and right combination.

Sot wrested the title from Bernal last October 8 in a highly controversial split decision. Yesterday’s decision is also likely to provoke controversy since the Thai seemed clearly to be on the defensive throughout the 12-rounder against powerful puncher Bernal.

It was Sot's second title defence.

He defeated British challenger Charlie Magri in London on February 21 by a technical knock-out in round four. Sot now has a record of 22 wins, one loss and one draw.