History of the Malta Boxing Federation

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 Scicluna-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.