The Ta’ Qali Basketball Pavilion hosted one of the most exciting boxing events of the year, culminating in Steve Martin defeating Lydon Chircop to claim the MBA Welterweight title. In a tense and tactical bout, Martin’s composure and accuracy earned him a well-deserved unanimous decision victory.
The fight started cautiously, with both fighters feeling each other out in the early rounds. Martin controlled the centre of the ring, showing impressive defensive skills and landing precise counters, while Chircop showcased good footwork and stamina as he circled the perimeter. Although Chircop increased his work rate as the fight progressed, many of his punches failed to break through Martin’s solid defence.
As the rounds wore on, Martin grew more dominant, landing clean right hooks to the body and head. His ability to pick his shots and stay composed under pressure proved crucial. Chircop had his moments, particularly in the eighth round, where he landed some sharp hooks to the body, but Martin’s superior accuracy and timing ultimately tipped the scales in his favour.
The final rounds saw Martin firmly in control, landing telling blows while effectively neutralising Chircop’s attacks. Despite a spirited effort from Chircop, it was Martin’s night, as the judges unanimously declared him the new MBA Welterweight champion.
Gail Diacono shines in national title debut
In the co-main event, Gail Diacono marked her professional debut in style, defeating Claire Sammut to claim the MBA women’s lightweight national title. Diacono used her superior reach and size to dominate the fight, keeping Sammut at bay with effective jabs and powerful hooks.
Sammut showed great resilience, pressing forward throughout the fight, but struggled to close the distance effectively. Diacono, meanwhile, displayed poise and skill beyond her experience, landing clean shots and controlling the pace of the fight. Her unanimous decision victory signalled the start of a promising career in professional boxing.
Undercard highlights
The night’s action began explosively as Dyson Schembri secured a first-round knockout against John Reilley, setting the tone for an electric evening. Jesred Piscopo followed with a strong performance, defeating Zack Calleja by unanimous decision after a display of relentless aggression and footwork.
Bradley Mula impressed with a dominant display against Callum Goodison, earning a unanimous points victory after scoring a knockdown in the fourth round. Darren Brajmla also delivered a composed performance, defeating Daniel Blade on points in an entertaining contest.
Scott ‘Flakey’ Schembri edged out Igor Korovin in a scrappy affair, winning by majority decision. Julian Pace rounded out the early action with a fourth-round technical knockout over Andriy John, showcasing his power and precision.
Laamouz and Dixon Deliver knockouts
Haithem Laamouz added to the evening’s highlights with a first-round knockout over Paul Johnson. Controlling the centre of the ring, Laamouz dropped Johnson late in the round, prompting the Irishman’s corner to throw in the towel.
Scott Dixon followed up with a third-round knockout against Kearon Thomas, delivering a powerful performance that left the crowd on their feet.
The event, sanctioned by the Malta Boxing Association, provided an unforgettable night of boxing action, capped by Steve Martin’s triumphant victory and Gail Diacono’s stunning debut. Fans left the pavilion with plenty to celebrate and high expectations for the future of Maltese boxing.
