Malta has a new Middleweight boxing champion. Duncan Calleja, 26, from Iklin was a last minute replacement to fight Alex Edwards, from the UK, in a World Boxing Union Intercontinental bout last Friday.

Duncan took the challenge at the last minute as the Italian who was supposed to fight Edwards pulled out of the contest. The 26-year-old Calleja, known locally for his huge heart in the ring as well as his nice guy image out of it, boxed tenaciously and scored a unanimous points victory over Edwards after eight three minute rounds. With the win, Calleja is now the WBU Middleweight Intercontinental Champion. His latest victory takes his record to 10 wins, one draw and one defeat. 

Calleja (left) used his jab effectively to keep Edwards at bay

Speaking to this portal after his victory, Calleja said he was proud of his team and thanked his coach Scott Dixon. "Keeping in peak condition is always hard work, but the hard work paid off and I am proud to be a Maltese boxing champion," Calleja said. The victory was even more special as it came after he broke his hand in a bout last year. He had one comeback fight and then stepped up in class to win the belt.