Maltese body earns European recognition

The Malta Boxing Board of Control has just earned recognition and affiliation to the European Boxing Union. This means that the Board can now issue professional licences to Maltese boxers. They are the only boxing body on the islands able to do so.

John Essex, founder of the Malta Boxing Board of Control, said it has taken a lot of work over the past year to convince the European Boxing Union to recognise the Maltese organisation.

He said: "We've finally got there. Recently, we were accepted at an EBU meeting in Montenegro. This is great news for us and now our boxers will have a chance to fight in Europe and challenge for a European title."

The Malta Boxing Board of Control is now responsible to approve licences for referees and judges as well. They will be considered as professionals and carry out their duties abroad at any boxing bout.

Meanwhile, a boxing event taking place here in August will see Malta heavyweight Billy Corito in action.

Corito is training hard to fight on the European scene but requires the backing of strong sponsorships to achieve his goal.