By Mark Wilson Smith
The strength of Malta will be tested like never before this summer as two of the island’s greatest arm-wrestlers prepare to take on elite international champions in a blockbuster event featuring multiple combat sports and live music.
On Saturday, July 19, the outdoor Greek Amphitheatre at the National Park in Ta’ Qali will host Rage Kombat: Inferno, an adrenaline-fueled spectacle where Kersten Mercieca and Antoine Zammit go head-to-head with world-class opponents from Bulgaria and Latvia, respectively.
Local hero Kersten Mercieca will step onto the stage to face Bozhidar Simeonov, who has won multiple titles at European and World level, in a highly anticipated rematch that carries both history and heart. The winner will claim the vacant Rage Kombat Arm-Wrestling world title.
“Three years ago, I faced Bozhidar, and I tore my bicep,” said Kersten.
“I thought I was ready, but I failed. Now I am more experienced than before, and I am willing to give a great rematch.”
Bozhidar, one of the sport’s most decorated and feared competitors, is not taking the challenge lightly.
“I have been storming the arm-wrestling world for over a decade. I’m not the guy who gives second chances, but Kersten is the type of warrior who never gives up and has shown great progress since we collided three years ago,” said Bozhidar.
“Second chance does not mean I will go easy on him – so Malta, be prepared! I am coming to shake your ground once again.”
In another thrilling bout that has the vacant Rage Kombat European title on the line, Antoine Zammit will square off against Toms Rozītis, the current European Champion from Latvia – fresh off his latest championship win just last week.
“Toms is a multi-European champion. He just won another European championship last Sunday,” said Zammit.
‘‘I am training hard for this match to make Malta proud, and I just want to give him a hard fight. I have no doubt, and I’ve got nothing to lose. Let’s do this! I like to challenge myself and push myself to another level. I like to have big challenges with monsters in real life.”
Rozītis, confident and defiant, fired back.
“Antoine called me out. He can train how much he wants, but he won’t beat me.
“It will be another holiday for me,” the Latvian champion said.
The Rage Kombat event promises to be a festival of strength, skill, and sportsmanship, drawing fans from across the island and beyond.
With the open-air amphitheatre setting in Ta’ Qali and a card stacked with arm-wrestling; kickboxing; grappling; Muay Thai; Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; and live music, this will be more than a competition – it will be a celebration of Maltese resilience and courage.
Gates open at 7pm, with matches beginning shortly after.
Spectators are advised to arrive early, as seats are expected to fill quickly for this once-in-a-lifetime event.
