Martin and Dixon ready to ‘go to war’ in Super Title fight

By Mark Wilson Smith

It’s a fight that has certainly been generating a lot of interest among Maltese boxing fans and the wait is almost over.

Tonight, the eagerly-anticipated clash between Malta’s Steve Martin and Scott Dixon takes place at a packed Ta Qali Basketball Pavilion.

There are numerous talking points about this bout and the event itself.

The main one being that Martin and Dixon were one-time friends, but a very public grudge has played out over social media in recent months.

It has certainly generated a lot of hype and it seems the best way to settle things is in the ring.

When asked about the upcoming bout, Steve Martin said: ‘‘This fight had built itself from a simple, humble comment on social media, but it became huge for Malta, as there’s history between me and Scott, him being my ex-coach and supposedly friend turned into an enemy over night.’

‘‘He wants to prove himself and back up all his talk about me being a low-level fighter and so on!’’

Due to both fighters having the nickname ‘Super’, the Malta Boxing Association have created a Super Title specifically for this bout.

Interestingly, it will be contested at Super Middleweight which is three categories above Martin’s normal fighting weight.

When eyebrows were raised about Martin fighting at a much heavier weight, he was quick to dispel any concern.

“For me agreeing to fight nine kilogrammes over my weight category against a veteran of the sport came naturally, because I am a fighter that’s what we do, we rise to the challenges,” he said.

“Hearing him saying that I’m not on his level threw more fuel to the fire! And rest assured it’s gonna be an all-out war on Friday.’’

In chief support will be fan’s favourite Christian ‘Coqqos’ Schembri against Britain’s Kearon Thomas at Middleweight.

Schembri always gives the fans their money’s worth and will once again be looking to impress on home soil.

Schembri commented: ‘‘I’m feeling great, and I can’t wait to get back in the ring. Facing Kearon Thomas is quite good, he’s a guy who comes out swinging and it’s very tough, he’s even had two bare knuckle fights.

‘‘Personally, training camp has gone smooth, even though it was very drawn out. I jumped back into the gym straight after my February fight, due to having a fight planned for March 30, which was then postponed for April, which was then cancelled altogether.

“It certainly was not ideal, but it was good that I stayed in the gym working on the new skills and tactics my coach is teaching me, and now I can’t wait to get in there and try it out.’’

Maltese prospect

There are some well-known names on the packed card such as Maltese prospect Yannis Magro and Swedish Super Middleweight champion Niclas Elfstedt, but it was the addition of Danny Williams that surprised more than a few people.

Yes, this is the same Danny Williams that knocked out Mike Tyson back in 2004.

Williams will be competing in an exhibition bout against Faris Lukovic, a fighter who is well-established within the world of Muay Thai and kickboxing.

Although Williams is a big name and it’s great to see renowned fighters coming to Malta, this is happening many years too late.

Williams is 50 years old and has 33 losses on his professional record. Exhibition bout or not, it really is time for Danny to hang up the gloves.