WBC world lightweight champion, Jim Watt and Derry's Charlie Nash pictured ahead of their world title fight at the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow in March 1980.WBC world lightweight champion, Jim Watt and Derry's Charlie Nash pictured ahead of their world title fight at the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow in March 1980.
WBC world lightweight champion, Jim Watt and Derry's Charlie Nash pictured ahead of their world title fight at the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow in March 1980.

In Pictures: Charlie Nash's World title clash against Jim Watt at Kelvin Hall 1980

DERRY boxing legend, Charlie Nash earned a coveted shot at the WBC world lightweight title against reigning champion, Scotland's Jim Watt on March 1980.

And 40 years on, we've delved back into the Journal archives to reminisce on what was a momentous occasion for the Derry boxing fraternity.

Nash had been on a collision course with fellow southpaw, Watt from the previous year when the Scotsman was holder of the EBU European belt but refused to travel to Derry to defend it against the Creggan man and was duly stripped of his title.

After winning the European title and defending it against Ken Buchanan, Nash earned his shot at Watt. And so on March 14th 1980 Nash and his army of fans from Derry and beyond descended on Glasgow's Kelvin Hall in a bid to be crowned champion on the world.

Nash had the champion on the canvas in the final 20 seconds of the first round after landing a right hook flush to the Glaswegian's chin. Watt managed to get back on his feet without a count and was off the hook. However, in the third Nash was sent tumbling to the floor by Watt, banging his head on the canvas.

The referee, Sid Nathan judged Nash had been knocked down by a left hand and gave a standing eight count. Watt went in for the finish and Nash was down again from a left hook and his world title dream was over.

After winning the European title and defending it against Ken Buchanan, Nash earned his shot at Watt. And so on March 14th 1980 Nash and his army of fans from Derry and beyond descended on Glasgow's Kelvin Hall in a bid to be crowned champion on the world.

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