After a sensational run of four wins in 2012 and a fifth earlier this year, Billy Corito ripped apart like a cyclone into the European Boxing Federation (EBF) heavyweight category to clinch the no.1 spot as he also held on to the prestigious EBF Intercontinental title belt in a stunning performance.
Corito, the Hit Man, showed his value in all five fights but the decisive ‘battle’ for the no.1 spot, against Micky Cotcher, was indeed an outstanding show of strength, only lasting 2mins 13sec inside the first round.
The fight against Cotcher was indeed significant as apart from wrapping up the top place in the category, it presented Corito with crucial decision-making: what’s next now?
His experience and relationship with the EBF was a positive and an excellent one, both from a competitive aspect and also from a working rapport.
But like everything else in life a winner, and in a way even a loser, has only one way to go in his endeavours... forward – and that’s what Corito decided to do.
The Hit Man now moves on to a new scenario where the ‘game’ is still boxing but there is a lot of difference as to what is at stake.
In fact, Corito will be making his debut as a professional at next Friday’s Night of Boxing at the Monte Cristo Estate in Ħal Farruġ.
His baptism of fire will be against Radenko Kovac, from Bosnia.
In his five fights as a professional, Kovac won two bouts and lost three which saw him through 14 rounds of fighting.
As Corito holds a Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) licence, his fight against Kovac will be sanctioned by the governing body for the sport in all its forms on our shores.
The MBC is recognised and affiliated to all world and international governing bodies.
The referee for Friday’s fight, the main bout of the night, will be Charlie Cardona – the MBC chairman.
The Maltese Olympic Committee (MOC) extended their financial support and backing for Corito’s training by financing the sparring partners in view of his international commitment this week.
“As usual Billy has been seriously preparing for this fight. This included tough training sessions in Malta, sparring with Mark de Mori, and Shea Neary in Liverpool. Neary is a recognised fighter in boxing circles,” Paul Borg, Corito’s manager, said.
For Friday’s fight, Neary will be the Maltese boxer’s trainer.
While the Night of Boxing will see the introduction of the MBC on the organisation structure, local promoter Borg maintained his sound working relationship established with the EBF.
Meanwhile, Friday’s fight card will also include six other bouts involving local and foreign boxers in various categories – Steve Martin-Adnan Zilic; Dione Galea-Josh Groombridge; Etienne Spiteri-Javaise Lewis; Tyrone Borg-Jamie Wheldon; Brandon Bogon-Jake Barrett; and Brian Sanders-Jack Smith.
On Friday, doors at Monte Cristo open at 7.30pm.
Tickets selling at €25 (seated) and €15 (standing) are available from the London Butcher, Gżira, and from TeamSport at l-Iklin.
The Night of Boxing main sponsors are RE/Max, Fortina Hotel, Party Bus Malta and MedAsia Playa.
Other support is extended by Golden Harvest, Badass Burgers, Barcelona Lounge, TeamSport and London Butcher.