Tag Archives: Malta

Corito’s War With Pylypenko Ends In Dramatic Bloody Fashion

Report: Gianluca Di Caro

On Friday evening at the MedAsia Playa in Sliema, Malta, local  promoter Darren Casha pulled all the stops out to present one of the  most exciting nights of Boxing and Music to herald the end of the  summer season on the Islands.

I’ve been to some sensational events over the years, but have never  attended anything like this before.

Firstly the location, which was right on the shores of the  Mediterranean, and seriously I mean right on the shore, as the ring  was set up across one of the swimming pools at the stunning MedAsia  Playa, literally just a couple of meters at most from the shimmering  Mediterranean Sea.

The music, well what can I say, no less than Dance Chart toppers Phats  and Small performed throughout the event and when not actually  performing vocalist Ben Ofoedu MCd the Boxing element.

Talking of which let’s get down to the boxing, well the start of the  boxing element at least, as prior to the actual fights a minutes  silence as well as a Ten Bell Salute were made for the legendary Jake  LaMotta, who passed away just a few days before as well as for former  Polish American Boxer and Kronk Coach Peter Pozyczka who passed away  exactly 12 months to the day.

Peter’s daughter Victoria, who had travelled from California to Malta  for the anniversary of his death, was is attendance as a special guest  and was invited into the ring to talk about her father, who had fought  in Malta back in the 1990s and was so taken with the people and the  beautiful Islands that Victoria felt Malta would be the perfect place  to scatter his ashes on the anniversary of his passing.

OK, now onto the Boxing. The headline bout was a pro Heavyweight  contest between Malta’s own Billy ‘The Hitman’ Corito and Ukrainian  Igor ‘The Beast’ Pylypenko.

Pylypenko received a genuinely warm welcome from the eight hundred or  so revellers in attendance, but when Ben Ofoedu announced the imminent  arrival of local hero Corito the decibel level went off the dial.

Round one see both protagonists go straight on the attack, Pylypenko  throwing out big straight jabs in an effort to stop the hard charging  Corito landing any of his trademarked big swooping shots. As the round  progressed the big Ukrainian used his height and reach advantage to  good effect, stepping in and letting rip with big right and left  combinations before stepping back before Corito could land anything  significant. However that didn’t deter the Hitman, he just walked his  way through, taking the odd shot here and there, before getting his  shots off on the inside. Cracking all action round.

More of the same in the second, although at times the fight turned  into a hybrid form of boxing/MMA with the big Ukrainian tying up  Corito each time he came on the inside, and on the odd occasion  literally hooking his leg round Corito’s as well as rather suspect use  of his head. So it came as no surprise that Corito sustained a rather  nasty cut above his right eye.

The third round wasn’t much different, except Corito stepped up a gear  and was able to find the room and land some sensational shots, one of  which sent Pylypenko to the canvas. It was a very bad round for the  Ukrainian, points wise, as referee also deducted a point after  catching Pylypenko again using his head when in close combat.

The fourth was again a full on war and unfortunately quite early on  there was another clash of heads, not sure if deliberate or not by the  Ukrainian, but the after affect being a serious cut over the left eye  of the Maltese Champ.

With blood covering his face Corito had the appearance of a Gladiator  in full battle at the Colosseum, and the way he fought he would have  fitted right in, clearly realizing there was a chance the bout would  be stopped Corito went to war throwing huge shots, whilst many landed  solidly, the big Ukrainian soon reverted to tying his opponent up and  backing him onto the ropes in a relatively vain attempt to prevent  further big shots landing.

About midway through the round, referee Charlie Cardona called time  out and had Corito’s corner wipe some of the blood from his face. The  fight resumed with Corito very much on the ascendance but a minute or  so later there was another close quarters clash of heads. This time  the referee called time out and signalled for the ringside Doctor to  inspect the cuts, following the inspection the Doctor signalled that  the cuts were way too serious for the contest to continue and Referee  Charlie Cardona waved the contest off on the two minutes and  forty-nine seconds mark of the fourth round and declared the contest a  ‘Technical Draw”.

Prior to the headline Corito-Pylypenko contest were three exhibition  bouts, the first being a Malta Vs UK contest between local lass Marie  Claire Church and Sophie Gelder from Sheffield, which was followed by  an all Maltese contest between Team Corito’s Way boxers Redent Galea  and Paul Zammit and the final exhibition bout see Malta based Former  World Champion Scott Dixon against Bradford’s Chucky Robson, who had  taken time of from his honeymoon to take part.

As I said at the beginning this was one serious special event and the  location was, well what can I say, just phenomenal. I just hope that  Darren Casha does another just like this next year, if he does I’m  booking my flights right away.

MBA Revokes Billy Corito’s License in Unprecedented Style

Social Media was buzzing yesterday with the news that Malta’s most famous, internationally, professional boxer Billy Corito had his Malta Boxing Association (MBA) license revoked, ahead of his 22nd September fight

 

The fuss on Social Media wasn’t so much about the fact that MBA President Mr. Michael Bonello had decided to revoke Mr. Corito’s license, but the reason why and the unusual method he chose to inform Mr. Corito that they had chosen to do so.

 

Without doubt these days Social Media is proving the simplest way for getting information disseminated as quickly as possible, but it does seem highly unprofessional, even possibly unethical, though to inform Malta’s best known boxer via WhatsApp of the decision.

 

However, whilst Mr. Bonello’s decision to utilize Social Media to inform Mr. Corito of the decision probably wasn’t the wisest of choices, in itself that particular faux pas pales in comparison to his chosen statement, which was “Hi Billy, I know you are boxing. As you know you will be losing your MBA license. I am sorry I will not back you up this time”. Billy Corito’s response was a simple “OK thanks”

 

Following receiving the news Mr. Corito immediately contacted Mr. Charlie Cardona of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) and Mr. Gianluca Di Caro from the British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) to ascertain if either would be willing to license him, or as in the case of MBC relicense him, both of whom agreed.

 

Last year Mr. Corito, who was previously licensed by the MBC for a number of years, was forced to hand back his MBC license by the MBA before they would license him to fight on an event sanctioned by themselves.

 

Speaking from his home Mr. Corito said.

 

“I was shocked at Michael’s message, it makes no sense, I am the face of Maltese Boxing, everyone knows me.

 

The MBA wanted me to fight on their shows, so I did, but now they don’t want me to fight on MBC shows, which is childish.

 

I don’t like politics, I’m a boxer, I want to fight, I want to fight not just in Malta, I want to put Malta on the Boxing map.

 

When I was with the MBC before I got to fight in England, but with MBA my only option is to fight here in Malta only, so really I am not worried, more angry the way they did it.”

 

 

-End-

 

 

Corito Stops Ellis as Gelder Outpoints Bogdanovic In Malta

ukpic1

On Friday night, at the Aria Complex in San Gwann, Malta’s own Heavyweight King Billy Corito scored yet another emphatic victory, this time over late replacement, Great Britain’s Matt Ellis.

 

Originally Corito was lined up to face Lee Kellett, who unfortunately was unable to make it through the floods in Cumbria to compete against the local star on this special Stephen Vaughan promoted Malta versus UK charity event, Fight For Life in aid of Caritas.

 

In front of a packed house, both fighters started hard and fast, Ellis utilising his jab to good effect to stop the local hero getting in too close, however as the bout progressed nothing Ellis could do could stop Corito getting in close and letting rip with big rights to the body of the Englishman.

 

The first two rounds were very close, but the third was a different matter altogether, Corito started fast and backed the Englishman onto the ropes with some superb combinations, once there Corito proceeded to target the body and then around the thirty second mark let rip with a powerful body shot that sent Ellis to the canvas, then as referee Lee Murtagh began the count the Englishman’s corner threw the towel in, which was ignored and the referee continued to count Ellis out.

 

The official time of the stoppage was thirty three seconds of the third round.

 

Following his victory Corito was informed by Stephen Vaughan that his next fight will be in the United Kingdom, where he will fight in a six rounder on the undercard of Tasif Khan versus Isaac Quaye WBU Super Flyweight World Championship bout in Bradford on February 6th.

 

Prior to Corito-Ellis, local Light Heavyweight Goran Bogdanovic made his professional debut against Bilston, West Midlands, UK’s Jamie Gelder.

 

Gelder started hard and fast, taking the fight to Bogdanovic, and then continued to keep up the high pace of attack for the entire four rounds, forcing Bogdanovic to be defensive throughout.

 

Bogdanovic did have some success, backing the Englishman onto the ropes and letting rip with fast and furious combinations of his own, however not enough to capture any of the rounds.

 

After four sensational rounds of boxing Judges Nick Aish and Stephen Farrugia both scored it 36-40, whilst Judge Gwayn Bonsfield scored the bout 37-39, all in favour of Jamie Gelder.

 

Supporting the two professional bouts were a number of Malta vs UK Novice Pro bouts as well as two exhibition bouts featuring local fighters.

Fight Report: Corito Reigns Supreme In Title Clash – Laamouz Stops Mukhamadiyarov as New Stars Farrugia and Brown Shine.

Report: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

Photos: Viktor Vella

 

 

On Friday night, in the grounds of the incredibly beautiful Monte Kristo Estates in Hal Luqa, Malta, local boxing fans were treated to a magnificent night of International boxing.

 

The event, which was headlined by the MBC International Heavyweight title clash between Malta’s very own ‘King’ Billy Corito and the big hitting (18 KO’s from 27 wins) Latvian Edgars Kalners, was the first event from new promoters Steve Carauna and Mark Calleja, along with a little help from experienced British promoter Stephen Vaughan.

 

Right from the opening bell Corito went straight on the attack, landing a big right to the head, Kalners stood his ground and shot out a strong jab, only to receive another big right hand that connected flush.

 

What followed next was a controlled exchange between both protagonists that had many of the highly vocal fans on their feet and cheering on their man.

 

After a fairly frenetic start both fighters settled into a slower pace for the rest of the round.

 

Round two was fought at a good pace, with both men exchanging big shots throughout.

 

Without doubt both the first couple of rounds were fairly close, although surely could only be scored in favour of Corito due to him not only being the busier but also his shots showed way more intent, but the third was a totally different affair.

 

Corito slowly ground his man down, forcing Kalners back constantly with a series of powerful salvos, a number of which shook the big Latvian to the core, each time the local crowd became more vocal in encouraging their man to step up the attacks, which on some occasions he did much to the delight of the partisan crowd.

 

More of the same from Corito in the fourth, however Kalners seemed to have lost the will to go toe-to-toe, which made the round very much a one sided affair, with Kalners covering up often and allowing Corito to let rip with big right hands.

 

During one of the exchanges Kalners seemed to be caught in the rib area and as he went to shoot out a right hand of his own let out a cry of pain, after which pulled his right arm across his chest and began to turn away from his forward advancing foe.

 

Corito cautiously moved forward and looked toward referee Lee Murtagh for guidance on whether he should continue the attack or not on the stricken Latvian.

 

Whilst a gentlemanly act from Corito, it almost cost him dear as Kalners turned and threw out a strong jab and looked set to throw a big right.

 

Corito responded with another salvo of big rights and kept up the pressure until the end of the round.

 

Coming out in the fifth Kalners seemed sluggish and was breathing heavily, clearly in some form of discomfort, however Corito was not going to make the same mistake as in the previous round and once again began throwing big right hands at every conceivable opportunity.

 

For virtually the whole round it was Corito walking his opponent down, throwing big right hands to head and body, then in the dying seconds of the round Corito stepped up the pressure once more.

 

When the bell rang Corito turned and headed straight to his corner, however Kalners appeared disoriented for a few seconds before finally heading back to his corner, referee Lee Murtagh showed some concern, as did MBC Chief Medical officer Dr Mark Xuereb, who immediately headed to Kalners’ corner and began checking over the distressed Latvian.

 

As the minute break was coming to an end the referee stepped forward, as it was clear that Kalners was in no position to continue and waved the bout off just as the opening bell for round six rang.

 

Have to say I’ve seen Billy Corito in action a number of times, he’s always been good for the money, but this time he was magnificent.

 

Credit in part must go to Corito’s coach, former WBU World Champion Shea Neary, who came up with a game plan that surprised most, gone were the big haymaker’s Corito is so well known for, instead Corito was controlled, good head movement and his punches were crisp, sharp and more importantly nearly always bang on target.

 

Word is that Corito’s team were so impressed with his performance that discussions are already underway for a mouth watering showdown later this year with a certain big name British Heavyweight.

 

The main support see Pieta, Malta’s Haithem Laamouz in action against Russia’s Ravil Mukhamadiyarov.

 

Laamouz took the fight to the more experienced Mukhamadiyarov right from the start and kept up the pressure throughout the first couple of rounds.

 

Early on in the second Laamouz landed a cracking body shot that sent Mukhamadiyarov to the deck, as referee Lee Murtagh reached the 8 count surprisingly the tough Russian jumped to his feet. The plucky lad surprised most observers by making it to the end of the round despite Laamouz’s efforts to finish the fight early.

 

From the third on the pressure from Laamouz was clearly proving too much for Mukhamadiyarov, the Russian covering up and only occasionally responding with an ineffective jab to keep the Maltese lad at bay.

 

Early in the fifth round Laamouz backed Mukhamadiyarov onto the ropes and began a non-stop assault, until referee Lee Murtagh stepped in to save the Russian from further punishment on the one minute and thirty seven second mark.

 

Supporting the pro bouts were a number of International Novice Pro and semi-pro bouts between local boxers and a team from the United Kingdom.

 

The Novice Pro is a recently introduced division featuring boxers with limited amateur or unlicensed boxing experience but wishing to compete in the professional division.

 

The Novice Pro division is operated under full professional boxing rules and with the same medical requirements as the professional division.

 

The main differences between Novice Pro and Pro bouts are that, only Novice Pro licensed boxers can compete against another Novice Pro Licensed boxer and that the rounds are of two minute duration, not three as in the pro ranks.

 

OK, so now that’s explained let’s get back to the action.

 

The final Novice Pro bout see Malta’s Malik Zinad against UK’s William O’Reilly in a six, two minute round contest for the vacant WBU Europe Novice Pro Light Heavyweight title.

 

These two warriors went to war right from the opening bell, both giving their all for every single second of every round.

 

In the fourth Zinad stepped up the pace, occasionally forcing O’Reilly onto his back foot, it was later during one of these forceful attacks that Zinad began letting rip with some mighty bombs, one of which was just a tad off target and the thumb of his glove accidently entered the eye socket of the English lad, no surprise that as it did O’Reilly let out a shocked scream of pain as he headed for the canvas.

 

Dr Xuereb and his medical team were by the clearly distressed Englishman’s side in an instant, literally as referee Lee Murtagh waved the bout off.

 

I’m pleased to say that I had spoken with William O’Reilly since and he is absolutely OK and there is no lasting damage to his eye.

 

Prior to Zinad-O’Reilly was Malta’s Kerstin Brown against the UK’s Nathan Lavery, for the vacant WBU Europe Novice Pro Super Bantamweight title.

 

Young Brown is definitely one to watch and judging on his performance on Friday night is destined to become a future star, think of a younger Carl Frampton and that’ll give you an idea of just how classy and exciting young Brown is.

 

From start to finish the youngster controlled the bout like a seasoned pro, his ring craft was supreme, cutting off the ring to keep Lavery pinned against the ropes before closing in and letting rip with lightning fast double handed flurries.

 

Nobody was surprised when the score cards were read out, a shutout 60-51 in favour of Brown, as he really dominated the bout from start to finish, outboxing his taller opponent in sensational fashion.

 

The first Novice Pro bout featured Malta’s Max Farrugia against the UK’s Lewis Burns in a four rounder.

 

As with young Kerstin Brown, Farrugia is another emerging star, this kid has it all, think Junior Witter in his younger days, slick, switch boxing with so much panache it is mouth watering to watch.

 

From start to finish Farrugia out boxed his tough opponent, at times he made it look too easy, but believe me it wasn’t as Burns is one tough cookie and gave his all for every second of every round, just Farrugia is a class act, one that will be a great addition to the pro ranks that’s for sure.

 

After four sensational round the ringside judges scored the bout 40-36 (twice) and 40-37 in favour of the deserving Max Farrugia.

 

What a cracking fight and as with the other Novice Pro bouts, easily equal in quality to the full pro bouts.

 

The results for the semi-pro bouts are:

 

Noel Lebrun (Malta) vs Jonathan Dean (UK)

 

Judges Scores – Majority Decision in favour of UK’s Jonathan Dean.

Lee Murtagh 27-30, Darren Mairs 29-29 and Steve Farrugia 28-29

 

Goran Bogdanovic (Malta) vs Bradley McDonnell (UK)

 

Judges Scores – Split Decision in favour of Malta’s Goran Bogdanovic.

Lee Murtagh 29-28, Darren Mairs 29-30 and Steve Farrugia 29-28