Malta Boxing Federation

Ryan Walsh, Sam Sexton, Haithem Laamous, Keith Azzopardi, Raham pro trainer, Liam Walsh, Glenn Safier coach, Scott Moises, Josh Walter amateur

Maltese Boxers Haithem Laamous & Keith Azzopardi have just finished another week of training in Norwich England as guests of Glen Saffer, of the “Kingfisher Boxing Club”

The Maltese youths have been training three time daily and working on improving their boxing skills and techniques, they have also had excellent sparing with boxing pros such as Liam Walsh, Rayan Walsh, Sam Sexton and other top ranking boxers.

For Haithem Laamous this concludes a full month of training in Wales and England.

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Time Line of Maltese Boxing History

1893: Private Fenech (RMA) could be considered as the first Maltese to appear in the boxing ring in Malta. In a Light- weight tournament held at Corradino, Fenech outpointed Lance Cpl. Wild (Surrey Regt.).

1890-1900: Regular Inter-Services Tournaments were held in the Brittania Circus, Floriana.

1919: The first programme between Maltese and U.K. Servicemen. Poalo Cauchi (RMA) disqualified for misplacing an uppercut against Sn. V. Beale (R.N.).

1920: Poalo Cauchi (police Force) had challenges from Alex Forster (HMS King George V), the Welter and Middleweight Champion of the Med. and the Black Sea, and Boy O’Neills, the Heavyweight of the Army and the Navy. There is no record of the bouts.

1920·1930: Boxing was an integral part in the programmes of fairs organised by band clubs generally at the Manoel Theatre and the Empire Stadium with Sonny Ruffling and Armando Zahra as the chief protagonists.

1930·1940: Maltese Civilians opposed the elite of the Services in programmes held at the San Gaetano Band Club (Hamrun), Orpheum Theatre (Gzira) and the Empire Stadium Ground (Gzira).

1935: First appeals appeared in local press for the constitution of a Board of Control.

1937: Armando Zahra became the unofficial Bantamweight Champion ‘of Malta, defeating Sunny Ruffling.

1940·1950: Few local activities were held because of the war years. Cikku Xerri (Mosta) and ‘Boy’ Garrett were the chief protagonists.

1948: A Boxing Committee was formed but there are no records on its activities.

1953: On March 19 the General Meeting to give birth to the Malta Boxing Association was held at Villa Bonnici, Gzira.

1964: The Malta Boxing Association was founded on January 20. Charles J. Debono was elected as President and Benny Pace as Secretary. John ‘Pancho’ Terribile became the first Maltese to be crowned official champion, after outpointing Charles “Gypsy” Scicluna in the Welterweight title fight on August 9.

1964: The Letz Seguna-Randolph Turpin six-rounder at the Schreiber Sports Ground on August 22, created disappointment.

1969: The Malta Boxing Federation was founded. There arose friction between the M.B.A. and the M.B.F., until the M.B.A. recognized the M.B.F. on December 12, 1969.

1974: In 1974, the biggest tragedy in Maltese boxing. Charles ‘Big Boy’ Cutajar died almost 12 hours after being knocked-out by Italian Francesco Piccinalli in a professional bout held at the Schreiber Sports Ground.

1980: The Boxing Federation was founded.

1983: Martin Fenech represents Maltese Boxing in the Mediterranean Games of Casablanca.

1985: Robert Debono represents Maltese Boxing in the Junior World Boxing Championships in Hungary.

1986: International club competition with Ireland.

1987: International club competition with Preston Fullwood.

1988- 93: A steady decline in the popularity of local boxing. The MBF is almost in a state of hibernation.

1993: The MBF is in a state of suspension with AIBA after failing to pay affiliation. Due to a financial crisis.

2000: The Olympic Committee informs the MBF in writing that they do form part of the Malta Olympic family any more.

2001- 06: Boxing is increasing in popularity. Bertu’s Gym which was the only boxing club registered with the MBF had produced a number of boxing athletes, which had in turn opened their own clubs.

2007: Efforts are underway to reunite Maltese boxing once again under the AIBA banner.

2008: The Malta Boxing Federation is once again active, a new committee is elected. A Maltese team takes part in an

International boxing event held in Cyprus. Almost all local clubs affiliate themselves to the Federation.

2009: January: Malta Boxing Federation Secretary General Alexander Zammit attends 1st EUBC Extraordinary General Assembly which was held in Madrid.

2009: January, The Malta Boxing Federation is once again affiliated with the AIBA & EUBC and all boxing activities are held under AIBA rules and regulations.

2009: February ,The MBF is once again recognized by the Maltese Olympic Committee.

2009: March, The MBF holds an Extraordinary Meeting to Rectify the new AIBA approved Statutes, these were rectified by St Paul’s ABC, St Julian,s ABC & Sliema ABC.

2009: September Malta participates for the first time ever in the AIBA World Championships which were held in Milan Italy. The Maltese participant was Haithem Laamous in the 60 KG Category.

2009: November Malta organizes the largest ever International Clubs meeting held in the Maltese Islands, with four UK clubs, the event was held at the De La Salle Gym, Cottonera. Louanna Marmara becomes the first Maltese female boxer to participate in an international event and register a win against Taylor of Brentwood Boxing Club.

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Scotland's Olympic Boxing Team, March 2010

The Scottish Olympic Boxing Team is in Malta for a short training camp before departing for the “Commonwealth Boxing Championships” which are to be held at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi, India. Around 120 boxers from 13 Nations are expected to take part from England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Kenya, Samoa and Singapore. The event will be held between the 10Th to 18Th March.

The Scotland Team are going through the final stages of preparation at the St Julian’s Boxing club under the direction of team manager Colin Mac Ewan and coaches Mike Keane & Steve Newnes.
The Scottish boxers are: Ian Butcher 49KG, Micheal Roberts 56KG, Josh Taylor 60 KG, Aston Brown 69 KG, Callum Johnstone 81 KG and Ross Henderson 91 KG.

Scottish Boxing has shown drastic improvement during the past year, with major results at high level competition, boxers such as Callum in the 81 KG  who won gold at the prestigious “Boxing Grand Prix” in the Czech Republic are considered by the Scottish coaches as being medal contenders.

Coach Mike Mac Keane talking about the ascending level of boxing in Scotland is very confident that his team will leave India with positive results.

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Mr. Benny Pace

“The Malta Boxing Federation” unites it self with all Maltese sporting bodies and with the Maltese sporting public in expressing our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Benny Pace who passed away yesterday the 23 of February 2010.

Mr. Pace who was the Secretary General of the Maltese Olympic Committee between 1964 & 1968 was also involved in Maltese Boxing during the sixties and seventies as the Secretary General of the “Malta Boxing Association”, he was also an established journalist, sport editor and held administrative positions in various Maltese sporting bodies and committees.

Mr. Pace will be remembered in the annals of Maltese sporting history as the person who created the “Malta Sports Persons Awards” (l-Ghazliet Sportivi Nazzjonali) he was also inducted into the Maltese Olympic Committee ‘Hall of fame’ for his contribution to sport journalism & his work in the field of sport administration.

He will be greatly missed by all.

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JABS Catterick ABC

Marc James who is an ABAE Boxing Coach (JABS Catterick ABC)- ABAE Judge & Timekeeper (Yorkshire ABA) - CSBA Boxing Coach (1WG)-CSBA Judge & Timekeeper (4 Div) - UKCC Member- Sports Coach UK Member –  Sport England Member- RunningSports Member/Official and member of the MBF executive will once again be in Malta as OIC (officer in charge) for the National Championships which are to be held on the 25th of April 2010.

Below a selection of photos of activities organised by Marc James and of JABS Catterick ABC were he is also coach.

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Source USA official Olympic boxing news site

The 2010 USA Boxing National Championships Return to Colorado Springs, July 12-17

Julie Goldsticker February 08, 2010

The USA Boxing National Championships, the premier amateur boxing event in the United States, will return to Colorado Springs, Colo., July 12-17, for the 2010 edition.

Over 200 of the nation’s top Olympic-style boxers in both the male and female divisions will compete in the tournament, which is being presented by the Daniels Fund and co-hosted by the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation.

“We are excited to have the USA Boxing National Championships back in Colorado Springs where the event has been successful,” said Mike Martino, Interim Executive Director. “With the support of the Daniels Fund, the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation and the U.S. Olympic Committee, this event will once again be one of the top sports events in Colorado.”

The USA Boxing National Championships, which moved north to Denver in 2009, will return to its long-time home in Colorado Springs for the 2010 edition. The Pikes Peak region has played host to the tournament in 20 of the last 22 years with the only exceptions being trips to Las Vegas in 2002 and Denver last year.

The first four days of competition will all be contested in Sportscenter I at the U.S. Olympic Training Center with preliminary round competition being contested July 12-14, and semifinal action taking place on July 15. The event will move to the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Saturday with men’s consolation bouts and women’s non-Olympic weight classes final round action being showcased in a matinee session on Saturday afternoon. Saturday night will feature an evening of Olympic-contested action with final round action in both the 10 men’s weight divisions and the three women’s Olympic weight divisions at 7 p.m.

Preliminary and semifinal action is open to the public and free of charge for all attendees. Spectators for the women’s finals on Saturday afternoon are encouraged to bring a donation for the women’s boxing program. Tickets for Saturday night’s action will go on sale on March 1 through www.ticketswest.com and are only $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Preferred seating and VIP tables are available for purchase through the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation at 634-7333 ext. 1009, or Sloane@thesportscorp.org.

“The Sports Corp is genuinely thrilled that the USA Boxing National Championships will return to Colorado Springs, and that we can help host and promote this tremendous event again,” said Dave Palenchar, Chairman of the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation. “Our city has had the honor of hosting this event many times in the past, and each time, it has been a success. We look forward to showcasing the best of America’s Olympic-style boxers in the city that is the home of our Olympic movement as they train and prepare for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.”

The event is being presented by the Daniels Fund for the second straight year and USA Boxing appreciates the tremendous support of the outstanding philanthropic organization. “Bill Daniels wanted young people to have access to quality coaches and sports programs that teach discipline, confidence, and sportsmanship,” said Linda Childears, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “As a representative of his legacy, the Daniels Fund is honored to be associated with the USA Boxing National Championships – a positive, inspirational sporting event for Olympic hopefuls.”

Budweiser has signed on as the first gold sponsor for the 2010 USA Boxing National Championships and is returning to the amateur boxing scene following a long history with both USA Boxing and the tournament.

The women’s division will enjoy a historic USA Boxing National Championships following the IOC’s decision to add women’s boxing to the Olympic docket at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. Three women’s divisions have been added to Olympic action with the flyweight (106-112 lbs), lightweight (125-132 lbs) and (152-165 lbs) middleweight competitors all earning a shot at Olympic glory. Due to the IOC’s cap on the number of athletes who can compete in the Olympic Games, both male and female boxers will now compete in 10 weight classes at the 2010 USA Boxing National Championships.

Several top ranked boxers and returning champions are scheduled to compete in the event, including two-time Olympian and 2007 World Champion Rau’shee Warren (Cincinnati, Ohio) who is currently attempting to become the first U.S. boxer to compete in three Olympic Games. Local and regional qualifiers will take place across the nation to determine the final roster of competitors who will vie for a national title in Colorado Springs.

The USA Boxing National Championships have been held annually since 1888, making it the longest running amateur boxing tournament in the United States, and the event consistently showcases future Olympians and future World Champions. Former champions include Pernell Whitaker, Oscar De La Hoya, Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., and Muhammad Ali (as Cassius Clay).

USA Boxing, as the national governing body for Olympic-style boxing, is the United States’ member organization of the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) and a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).

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