Kickboxing Championships

The Malta Kickboxing Association (MKBA) has just organised its third National Championships which were held at the Ta' Qali Pavilion.

The event was hosted by Kancho Adrian Axisa, founder of the MKBA, and Master Noel Mercieca.

Around 40 kickboxers, from six clubs, took part in various categories. The clubs involved were Ying Yang, Gozo Kickboxing, Art of Fighting, Wu Shu Ky, Freestyle and Demis Kickboxing.

The championships were spread over two days. Day One was reserved for the preliminary round. All finals were held the next day.

This year, the format was different from previous competitions with the '5 TKO Rule' introduced. This was applied when a competitor was deemed unfit to continue. Referees stopped the bout immediately.

The protagonists this year were Keith Azzopardi, Daniel Zahra and Reuben Azzopardi. They won their respective title belts for the third time in a row.

Meanwhile, a record of winnings was established by Mercieca's kickboxers. Of the 14 under his wings, eight went on to win the kickboxing matches and another member of his group won a boxing bout as well.

To top it up, the Ying Yang Club returned home with the Best Kickboxer Trophy, won by Mercieca, at the end of the championships.

One may obtain more details on the sport by phoning 7920-8283 or 9925-6363.