Richard Vella, Duncan Calleja, Noel Lebrun and Nico Sciberras have just represented Malta at the Independent Boxing Association (IBA) championships which took place in England, last week.

All fights were held at London’s York Hall, a health and leisure centre and one of Britain’s best known boxing venues.

The Malta Boxing Association fighters produced a remarkable all-round performance to top the championship rankings.

Vella faced the no.1 middle-weight contender Louis Nichol in a 6x2 title bout. He won with a unanimous points decision to become the new champion.

Vella was also awarded the best boxer and he was also recognised for having figured in the best fight of the IBA Champion-ships.

Lebrun, coached by Michael Brown, fought against Mark Koofi in the cruiserweight title bout.

Lebrun landed heavy punches on Koofi who remained seated in his corner as he was called out for the third round by the referee.

Koofi’s coaches decided to retire their boxer from the contest.

Calleja lost his match against Joe Hurn after a split decision and Sciberras also lost narrowly to Vince Lynes in a restricted 3x2 supporting bout for novices.

The training camp leading up to the championships was an excellent learning experience for the fighters, the Malta Boxing Association said, as the fighters continued to improve and enhance their skills under the expert guidance of Steve Martin, Christian Schembri and Demis Tonna.

They were also assisted by Allen Mortlock and the IBA.

Michael Bonello, president of the Malta Boxing Association, congratulated the team on their return from England.

“Your participation at the IBA Championships has been nothing but of the highest standards while exceeding our expectations,” he told the Maltese fighters.

“We take this opportunity to thank you for your commitment to the sport and to the association.

“You must be highly satisfied with this experience as you have undoubtedly worked very hard to achieve these results.”