Charlie Magri

Although born in Tunesia, Charlie Magri came from a Maltese family who settled in London. He won four ABA national titles, one at light-flyweight and the other three (1975-77) at flyweight and also took the bronze medal at the 1975 European Championships in Poland. Embarking on a professional career from 1977 he created history by becoming British flyweight champion in only his third fight. Magri annexed the European title by defeating Italy’s Franco Udella in 1980 and defended on four further occasions. Despite suffering a shock defeat by journeyman Javier Diaz he rebounded to defeat Eleoncio Mercedes for the WBC version of the world flyweight title but his reign ended on his defence against Frank Cedeno of the Philippines. Magri returned to regain the European championship but a further attempt at world honours ended with defeat at the hands of the legendary Sot Chitalada. Magri retired after losing his European title to fellow Englishman Duke McKenzie and invested his money in a sports equipment business. Known as “Champagne Charlie”, Magri also became a boxing manager.