Schembri and Martin headline biggest-ever card held in Malta

By Mark Wilson Smith

The continued growth of boxing in Malta shows no sign of slowing down, as tonight we will be treated to our biggest event yet.

No less than 18 professional bouts will take place at the Intercontinental Arena in St Julians, which will set a new record for the number of pro fighters competing in one evening.

Significantly, the event will be broadcast live by media giants DAZN who have built up quite a reputation for securing key boxing and sporting events from around the World.

It means their involvement will allow Maltese boxers to gain global exposure and help build their reputations outside of our country.

Marc James, the president of the Malta Boxing Association who will be sanctioning the event, told the Times of Malta: ‘‘This October 4 event marks a significant milestone for professional boxing in Malta, featuring the largest pro card we’ve ever seen, with a strong representation of Maltese and Malta-based boxers.

“We are proud to showcase this level of talent and commitment, which highlights the growing strength of our sport locally.’’

‘‘As an organisation, the Malta Boxing Association is committed to providing a platform for athletes to excel and compete at the highest level. We look forward to an exciting night of professional boxing.”

Roughly a third of the boxers taking part are based here in Malta, therefore local fans will be familiar with the likes of Christian ‘Coqqos’ Schembri, Steve Martin, Brandon Borg, Theon Camilleri, Lydon Chircop, and Clarence Goyeram among others.

Christian Schembri, one of the most exciting boxers on the card, has had an up-and-down year so far. He started 2024 with a win in February but lost his following bout in June despite showcasing a new fighting style. This time out, he is determined to emerge victorious against super middleweight Srdjan Nikolic, of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

‘‘I’m just a few days away from my 37th pro fight and I feel as good and fresh as ever,” he said.

“I had a good performance in my last fight, which many thought I won, and I continued to train and improve the style since then, so I can’t wait to get in the ring, do what I do best and, God willing, I’ll have my hand raised in victory.”

Steve Martin, who is aiming for his fifth win in a row, is an unexpected addition to the card.

“After my last fight in May, I tore my bicep and didn’t think I would be able to compete this soon, but it healed very quickly. I’ve had a good five week training camp, sparring some raising stars of Maltese boxing, so I know I’m good when I’m able to keep up with them,” Martin said.

‘‘I haven’t seen much of my opponent to be honest, but I know he’s coming to try and win; he has a positive record and that’s why I accepted the fight. It will be a six-round action packed fight and hopefully I’ll fight for a title before the end of the year.’’

Pakistan’s Muhammad Wase-em and Sabelo Cebekhulu of South Africa are headlining the event in a contest for a vacant Bantamweight title, with two other title fights featuring international boxers also on the card.