Boxing veteran Martin calls for enforcement of rehydration clauses after defeat to Azzopardi

Steve Martin has called for rehydration clauses to be enforced in boxing after the veteran fighter lost his final match of his career against Elton Azzopardi during the Fight Island event on Friday night.

Martin suffered a second-round TKO against Azzopardi, who had failed to honour his rehydration agreement after weighing eight kilos heavier for Friday’s match at the Malta Basketball Association pavilion in Ta’ Qali.

In boxing, a rehydration clause is a contractual agreement that limits the amount of weight a fighter can gain between the weigh-in and the fight. 

This clause is often used to prevent a fighter from gaining a significant weight advantage over their opponent. It also serves to protect the health of the fighters by ensuring they don’t become overly dehydrated and then rehydrate excessively before the fight. 

Azzopardi used his superior weight to his advantage as he stopped the veteran Martin in the second round to secure the victory.

“This is a boxer’s life,” Martin wrote on his facebook page after posting a picture from hospital.

“I should’ve listened to my coach and pulled out of the fight the moment my opponent weighed in nearly 8kg heavier than me. But that’s not who I am. I came to fight and to give the fans what they paid for. Unfortunately, that decision put me in hospital.

“This is exactly why rehydration clauses must be enforced by the Malta Boxing Association – starting immediately, before we face a fatality.

“8kg is the equivalent of jumping up three weight classes. That’s not just unfair – it’s dangerous.

“If your coach or your association won’t protect you, boxing can end your life. Let’s keep our fighters safe. Let’s make boxing a 50/50 sport.

“I’m not moaning what happened happened – I just want to make sure every boxer has a fair and safe ring to step into.”

On his part, Elton Azzopardi said that he was delighted with his win over Martin and had no regrets, and contended that it was Martin who requested a clause that would see him receive €5,000 if Azzopardi exceeded 72.5kg after the weigh-in.

“After last night, I’m feeling very satisfied, grateful for all the support and honoured that I have become the national three division champion, and for the first time I have defeated the king of fight island during his last “dance”.

“To clarify and so that people understand the real truth: there was a clause in the contract – something that is not standard practice in boxing – stating that if I exceeded 72.5kg after the weigh-in, my opponent (Steve) would receive €5000.

“Of course, this clause was requested by him, knowing that it would be difficult for him to gain much weight post weigh-in, as that weight is closer to his natural walking weight.

On the other hand, I had to drop over 20kg to make the contracted weight, so naturally, my body rehydrated and returned to a higher weight more easily. This is completely normal and in line with standard boxing rules.

“Once a fighter makes the official weight, they are allowed to regain as much weight as their body is capable of – unless a rehydration clause like this is specifically added, which again, is not the norm in this sport.

“I stepped into the ring proud of the work I had done and the commitment I showed, and I have no regrets.”