The Oracle Hall at the Dolmen Hotel in Qawra was the venue recently for a series of international fights.

The show, ‘Smash 8’, was fully sanctioned by the World Boxing Council, International Sport Kickboxing Association and the Malta Boxing Commission.

Over 800 spectators were present for the occasion as the programme included a mix of K-1 Rules, Muay Thai, kickboxing and boxing fights with the participation of some of the local upcoming martial artists.

The main event on the card was the fight between Marlon Hunt, who resides and teaches in Malta, and Estonia’s Andreij Manzolo.

They fought five tough rounds but in the end Hunt, despite a bleeding nose, took the verdict unanimously to become the first fighter in the world with 13 professional titles to his name.

“It was an honour for me to become the first fighter in Malta to have fought Muay Thai and establish a new world record here,” Hunt said.

“The crowd was amazing and really supported me and I feel like I was really accepted by the Maltese people.

“This was a great professional show with great sponsors and event organisers in Karl Borg and Casapinta Group.”

Earlier, the talented Mandy Cortis figured in a three-round boxing bout against Gabby Naughton and won the match after sending her UK opponent to the mat on two occasions.

Daniela Souchet showed commitment and great fighting spirit in her K-1 Rules debut fight but lost to Melissa McGlaughlin (UK) as the experienced Dione Galea prevailed in a tight boxing fight against Christian Schembri.

In another professional boxing bout, Tyrone Borg beat Germany’s Yunus Altintas by a technical KO in the third round.