Malta Commission accepted as EBU member after Dublin vote

The European Boxing Union (EBU) accepted the Malta Boxing Commission as a full member of the governing body during an assembly meeting held recently in Dublin, Ireland.

Malta Boxing Commission founders Alexander Zammit and Gianluca di Caro said in a statement that the move means they can now start to promote and host professional bouts in the country for the first time.

“We can’t thank EBU chairman Bob Logist and general secretary Enza Jacoponi enough for their assistance and backing to our cause and membership bid,” Zammit and Di Caro said.

“There was unanimous support for our application from all members of the EBU.

“Now, it is our firm belief that Malta can and will become a leading player in professional boxing in the near future.”

Before, Maltese boxers had to apply overseas to sanction their bouts but with full membership to the EBU, that is no longer the case and any local fighter wishing to turn pro can now do so by submitting an application to the home organisation.

The Commission already have plans in store to boost its technical department and establish contacts with local authorities and commercial entities.

“In the coming months we will be recruiting officials and work closely with fellow EBU member organisations on this issue.

“Our referees and judges will have to meet the stipulated requirements to cater for professional boxing events,” the statement added.

“It is also our intention to collaborate closely with the Malta Tourism Authority, as well as local and overseas business entities, to provide international promoters with an incentive package that will encourage them to hold major boxing events here in the near future.”