Teacher vs Student as ‘super’ Steve Martin takes on Lydon ‘Beqqu’ Chircop

By Mark Wilson Smith

Boxers ‘Super’ Steve Martin and Lydon ‘Beqqu’ Chircop came face-to-face for the last time during a press conference on Saturday before their eagerly anticipated bout on November 29.

The event, which will be held at the Ta’ Qali Basketball Pavilion, is a fascinating match-up for a variety of reasons.  

Firstly, Martin was Chircop’s long-time boxing trainer. Therefore, it will be intriguing to see if the student can overcome his former mentor. Does Martin know every Beqqu’s move or has he learned some new techniques since then?

Secondly, it is the classic tale of experience versus youth.

Martin has been a professional boxer since 2010 with 28 fights to his name; has fought in the UK, France, and Italy; and even has a win over respected Brit Graham Earl on his CV.

Chircop, on the other hand, is eight years younger than Martin with only eight pro bouts on his record – but that does mean less milage on the clock, and his youth may come into play if the fight reaches the tiring, later rounds.

Thirdly, Martin is naturally 8kg and three weight divisions heavier than his opponent. However, a catchweight contest has been agreed, meaning that they will both compromise and meet almost halfway at Welterweight.

Essentially, Martin comes down in weight while Chircop goes up in weight.

Lastly, as well as local bragging rights, there is the national welterweight title on the line. At the tail-end of last year, Beqqu challenged for the UBO International belt losing on points – his only career loss on an almost perfect record.

This is his chance to make amends and get his hands on his first professional title. Martin, meanwhile, has won titles in the past but still has a strong hunger to collect more and add to his boxing legacy.

Super Steve told Times of Malta: ‘‘I’m fighting a guy who I trained for almost 10 years, so I know what he’s capable of. I’m not taking anything for granted though, because he might try to change a few things and work on a gameplan. I will be ready for whatever comes my way!

‘‘My training is always planned to cater for what my fight requires – the only thing I am doing differently in this camp is my nutrition, as I have to fight at a smaller weight.’’

Martin continued: ‘‘In an interview he (Chircop) mentioned my age as I’m almost 38 years old, and in his eyes, I should retire.

“But on the 29th he will know that I’m not an average 38-year-old guy. Also, the Welterweight national title will be on the line, and it will be nice to add it to my collection.’’

Chircop seemed very relaxed, taking everything in his stride.

‘‘I’ve trained my whole life for this fight and am always ready to get in the ring. I’ve learned a lot from Steve as a former coach and I am looking forward to seeing him in the ring. This is what we live for, the Maltese Championship belt is there for one of us to take and I will do everything in my power to bring it home.

‘‘Training is fantastic – I’m training twice a day with no rest days. This is just another day for me.’’

When asked if it felt strange to be fighting his former trainer, he replied: ‘‘Yes, it is a bit, though – but I’m here to fight and win!’’

The undercard also serves up an interesting mix of bouts, with the most prominent being a national title fight between Claire Sammut of Rabat against Gail Diacono. With 12 professional bouts, Sammut’s experience dwarf’s that of Diacono’s who has had just six bouts on the amateur circuit.  Their fight is scheduled to last eight rounds.

In a four-round semi-pro bout, Jesred Piscopo will face-off against Zack Calleja.

Piscopo is well known among kickboxing and Muay Thai fans having picked up a multitude of titles during his career to date. Now he shows his diversity and willingness to accept a challenge by stepping into a boxing ring.

‘‘I’m eager to step back into the ring and put on a show for everyone watching. Ready to give it my all. This is what I rain and live for, and I can’t wait to bring the fight to my opponent.’’ he said.

Tickets for the event start at €40 increasing up to €90 for a ringside seat.