Billy Corito tipped for successful title defence

Maltese boxing fans are set for another treat this month when EBF Intercontinental champion Billy Corito defends his title against Davey Clarke at the Sky Club, Paceville, on April 21.

The Maltese heavyweight champion will be one of three local boxers vying for an EBF title belt on the night as Dione Galea faces Joe Swales in the middleweight category while Tyrone Borg takes on Shaun Williams in the cruiserweight division.

After his convincing second-round victory over Britain’s Ian Toby in January, all eyes will be on Corito who will be bidding to improve his record to 9-0-0 against Clarke.

Scott Whelton, Corito’s sparring partner, has no doubts on the outcome of the title fight.

“Billy Corito is looking very strong,” Whelton told a news conference yesterday.

“I had the opportunity to be in the right with both boxers and I feel that Billy is much stronger than Davey.

“His footwork, speed of movement and power have improved a lot and I can’t see Clarke having the better of the ‘Hitman’.

“In boxing anything can happen but in my opinion Corito will win this one by the third round.”

Whelton went on to talk on Corito’s prospects and predicts a bright future for the heavyweight.

“Billy can be a dominant figure in the EBF,” he said.

“I’m sure that if he moves to the UK he will become the top-ranked fighter in his division. He can really do well at this level.”

Promoter Paul Borg said that the April Night of Boxing will be an opportunity for Corito and the other Maltese boxers to leave their mark on the EBF scene.

“The main reason behind these events is to give Maltese boxers an opportunity to show their skills against foreign fighters,” Borg said.

“Besides Corito, this time we will also have Dione and Tyrone having a shot at a title belt. We want them to win their fights as more titles would mean Malta’s position at the EBF will continue to grow.”

Maltese boxers so far have only been engaged in EBF bouts against British fighters. That trend could change in the coming months.

In fact, renowned sports promoter Wilfred Sultana said the UK-based organisation are also planning to host an Anglo-Mediterranean Championship where Maltese boxers could participate.

“The idea is still being developed by the EBF but it’s a plan that could be put into effect in the coming months,” Sultana said.

“Participation in this championship would further widen the horizon of our boxers as they will fight against opponents of different cultures.”

Billy Corito