Martin crowned World Boxing Champion

Super Steve Martin (27) went into the local history books on Friday August 22 on the Vaughan Boxing Promotion which took place at the Grand Masters Suite, Hilton Hotel, St. Julians.

Steve Martin defeated Graham Earl to win the WBF World Title. Photo by Dominic Aqulina
Steve Martin defeated Graham Earl to win the WBF World Title. Photo by Dominic Aqulina

By Marc James

For the last eighteen months, Steve Martin has been ranked in the top third of professional fighter on world boxing industry official records keeper BoxRec.com, allowing Steve Martin a shot at a World Title fight. Team Super who is Managed by Demis Tonna of Prize Boxing Promotions took up the challenge to face the more experienced Graham Earl of Luton England ranked 49th.

Vaughan Boxing Promotions who successfully won the bid set out by the World Boxing Foundation (WBF)  at the beginning of spring when it’s World Title became vacant and following further negotiations between Stephen Vaughan of Vaughan Boxing and Mick Croucher President of the WBF would see Malta host this World Championship Title.

With the WBU & WBF International Title belts proudly nestling in his trophy cabinet, Steve Martin turned his focus on fighting for the World Title. Training Camp which was lead by Mr. Barry Smith lasted six weeks. This training camp got the best out of Steve Martin as Graham Earl may have been the more experienced at world championship level but it was Steve Martin that showed skills, sharpness and domination for the whole fight before the corner waved off the fight when the coach Shane O’Leary who himself is an ex World Champion mounted the ring with a white towel in the 10th round retiring his fighter.

Tyrone Borg defeated Zolton Feher on Hungary to become the Malta Boxing Commission International Light Heavyweight Champion. Photo by Dominic Aqulina
Tyrone Borg defeated Zolton Feher on Hungary to become the Malta Boxing Commission International Light Heavyweight Champion. Photo by Dominic Aqulina

Graham Earl started to slow at round 6 and Steve Martin should have taken full advantage when on several occasions he rocked the former British Commonwealth and former WBU lightweight Champion. Both fighters showed to be terrific athletes, they are definitely dedicated and both tough and respectful. It was a tough test for Team Super and with the impressive victory Steve Martin improved his professional record to 12W -4L -1D (17T), and became the Maltese boxer to win a WBF World title in two weight classes. Graham Earl can travel home to the England proud of his performance, and with a record that now stands at 24W-6L (32T).

Tyrone el Terrible Borg (35) is on a roll with 6 wins all by way of knock out. He also showed a stunning performance as he Knocked Out Zoltan Feher of Hungary in the 2nd by a perfectly placed hook to the side of the head, to become the Malta Boxing Commission International Light Heavyweight Champion. This allows Tyrone Borg to target the hard opponents in the 10 rounds circuit of European boxing.

Photos by Dominic Aqulina