Baptism of fire for Maltese boxer

After a sensational run of four fights in 2012 and a fifth one earlier this year Malta’s Billy Corito, known as ‘the Hit Man’ ripped apart like a cyclone the European Boxing Federation (EBF) heavyweight category to clinch the Number One spot as well as hold on to the prestigious EBF Intercontinental Heavyweight Title Belt in a stunning and massive performance.

9 July 2013, 12:00am

4 min read

Maltas Billy Corito and Radenko Kovac from Bosnja u Herzegovina, are the main protagonists on this significant Night of Boxing, particularly for the Maltese boxer his first fight as a Professional Boxer.

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By Wilfred Sultana

Corito showed his value in all five fights but the decisive 'Battle' for the Number One Spot against Micky Cotcher, known as 'The Butcher' was indeed an outstanding show of technique and strength that only lasted 2mins 13sec of the first session - a decisive fight that should have been made of six sessions of 3minutes each.

The fight against Cotcher, his Fifth in the EBF series, was indeed significant as apart from wrapping up the top place of the heavyweight category it presented Corito with crucial decision-making: What's next now? His experience and relationship with the European Boxing Federation was a positive and an excellent one both from a competitive aspect and also from a working rapport. But like everything else in life a winner, and in a way even a loser, has only one way to go in his endeavour: Forward - and that's what Billy Corito decided to do.

Billy now moves on to a new scenario where the 'game' is still boxing but there is a lot of difference as to what is at stake. For in the coming days Billy Corito makes his debut as a Professional Boxer. Professional boxing has enjoyed a much higher profile than amateur or semi-professional boxing throughout the twentieth century and beyond.

His baptise of fire is against Radenko Kovac from Bosnia And Herzegovina who in his five fights as a professional he won 2 (KO 2) and lost 3 (KO 3) which saw him through 14 rounds of boxing and a 40% K.O. record.

As Corito is a holder of a Malta's Boxing Commission Boxing License his fight against Kovac will be sanctioned by the Malta Boxing Commission, the Governing body for boxing in all its forms in Malta. The MBC is recognised and affiliated to all the World & International Governing bodies, including the Professional circuit World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Union (WBUv), the World Boxing Federation (WBFed), the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the European Boxing Association (EBA). With regards the Semi Pro Circuit the MBC are members of the World Boxing Union (Semi Pro) (WBUv), and the European Boxing Federation (EBF).

The Referee for the Pro Fights shall be Charlie Cardona, Chairman of the Malta Boxing Commission. The main bout of the night between Corito vs Kovac will be made up of 4 rounds of 3 minutes apiece.

The Maltese Olympic Committee extended their financial support and backing for Corito's training by financing the sparring partners in view of his international commitment.

"As usual Billy has been seriously preparing for the fight. This included tough training sessions in Malta sparring with Mark de Mori, ranked 13 WBA and 15 WBC, and against Shea Neary in Liverpool. Neary known as "The Shamrock Express" is a WBU recognised ex-World Light Welterweight Champion", remarked Paul Borg, Corito's Manager.

For coming event Shea Neary will be Billy's trainer. In fact he will be here for the week to prepare Corito for his fight and will also be his corner-man on the night.

While the forthcoming Malta Night of Boxing will see the introduction of the Malta Boxing Commission on the organization structure local promoter Paul Borg has maintained the sound working relationship he has established with the European Boxing Federation.

Besides the main Corito- Kovac fight the night's Fight Card includes six other bouts between local and foreign boxers of various categories. These fights - made up of four sessions of 2mins each session - also include a number of 'Belts' determining encounters.

1 'Super' Steve Martin v Adnan Zilic (MBC); 2 Dione Maroushka Galea v Josh Groombridge (EBF) - EBF Super Middle Weight European Title; 3 Etienne 'Buddy' Spiter v Javaise Lewis (EBF); 4 Tyrone Borg v Jamie Wheldon (EBF) - EBF Light Heavy Weight European Title; 5 Brandon Bogon v Jake Barrett (EBF) - EBF Light Weight European Title; and 6 Brian Sanders v Jack Smith (EBF).

This Malta Night of Boxing will be held at Monte Cristo Estates in Hal Farrug on Friday 12^th July at 8.30 p.m. - Doors open at 7.30 p.m. Tickets selling at €25 (Seated) and €15 (Standing) are available from the London Butcher, Sir Frederick C. Ponsonby Street Gzira and from TeamSport, Triq Dun Karm, B'Kara by Pass, Iklin.

The main sponsors of this Night of Boxing are RE/MAX, Fortina Hotel, The Party Bus Malta and MedAsia Playa. Other support is extended by Golden Harvest, Badass Burgers, Barcelona Lounge, TeamsporT and London Butcher-Gzira.