Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/370348
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 27 AUGUST 2014 Sport 22 BOXING Martin crowned World Boxing Champion MARC JAMES 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. For the last 18 months, Steve Mar- tin 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 De- mis Tonna of Prize Boxing Promo- tions 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 its World Title became va- cant and following further negotia- tions between Stephen Vaughan of Vaughan Boxing and Mick Crouch- er President of the WBF would see Malta host this World Champion- ship Title. With the WBU & WBF Interna- tional Title belts proudly nestling in his trophy cabinet, Steve Mar- tin turned his focus on fighting for the World Title. The training Camp which was led by Mr. Bar- ry 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 cor- ner 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. 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 Cham- pion. Both fighters showed to be terrific athletes, they are definitely dedicated and both tough and re- spectful. It was a tough test for Team Super and with the impres- sive victory Steve Martin improved his professional record to 12W -4L -1D (17T), and became the first 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 stun- ning 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 Euro- pean boxing. Steve Martin (R) defeated Graham Earl to become the new World Boxing Champion. Photo by Dominic Aquilina Tyrone Borg (R) defeated Zolton Feher on Hungary to become the Malta Boxing Commission International Light Heavyweight Champion. Photo by Dominic Aquilina