The Malta Kickboxing and K1 National championships which were held on Tuesday at the Stitch Club in San Gwann, were a huge success.

The ‘Gladiators Promoters’ delivered an exciting fight event which was easily one of the best in recent years.

The large crowd of spectators and fans vociferously showed their appreciation and support for the event by being proactive all the way, often chanting the name of the fighters.

Main Event K1 – Steve Martin vs Daniel Zahra (Middleweight)

Round 1 – Both fighters came out of their corners hard, fast and vicious and engaged directly at close quarters exchanging several low kicks and blows, with the action going back and forth. Martin suffers a cut to the forehead over his right eye.

Round 2 – Martin got the upper hand in the opening minute with two beautifully executed front kicks, which had Zahra down on the canvas momentarily, in this round both fighters landed several kicks and blows but Martin seemed to have the upper hand.

Round 3 – Zahra came out strong with flurries of kicks and punches; Martin picked up the pace and responded. Both fighters showing no fear exchanged blow for blow and kick for kick but neither could quite connect a KO blow with the knee.  

The last two rounds added to the drama in great fashion. Zahra continued his incredible assault, while Martin increased his output, himself looking for the knockout. Zahra looked like he was close to getting it when he battered Martin in the last minute of the fifth round. The closing seconds of the last round definitely belonged to Zahra, a well executed round house kick missed Martin by inches and the plucky Martin although being battered on the ropes held on and found the strength to block the onslaught of blows and kicks unleashed by Zahra.

In the end, neither one scored a KO but they still delivered a brutal and thrilling middleweight war, a candidate for the Maltese “K1 Fight of the Year”. It was a close fight and the judges had to decide who would leave the ring with the prestigious local WKN belt. Zahra got the decision but it is without a doubt that both fighters showed true mettle and proved themselves as true warriors in the ring.

In the Co Main Event – K1 – Renald “Ice Man” Tabone and Reuben “Wolf” battled for the Maltese light heavyweight WKN title.

This was a three round contest; both fighters came out fighting from a distance and avoided engaging in close combat, both using jabs and high kicks trying to find an opening for a KO blow.

The end came for Tabone in the third round when Azzopardi locked him in the corner and delivered a beautifully executed knee strike to the side which sent him down to the canvas. Tabone could not return on his feet and referee Demis Sicluna waved it off with one minute to go.

In a Malta Heavyweight kickboxing title match, Sean Cutajar (for the Wu Shu Ky) lost to Kevin Cassar (for the Ying Yang).

The first round opened with heavy punches and some nicely place kicks by Cutajar but the tide soon turned as Cassar upped the pressure and Cutajar startd to absorb some heavy punishment from the faster Cassar.

While Cutajar had his moments there was little doubt as to the outcome of this encounter and the judges had no problems in declaring Cassar the winner.  

Other results

Malta Cruiserweight Kickboxing title

Tyron Borg (for the Wu Su Ky) beat Nicky Ellul (for the Ying Yang) on points.

Malta Super Cruiserweight Kickboxing title belt

Eman Zammit (from The New Kickboxing Club) lost to Elian Mallia (from the Ying Yang) on points.

Malta Lightweight Kickboxing ttle

Damian Cacciattolo of the Wu Shu Ky defeated Jonathan Curmi of the Ying Yang.

Malta Welterweight Kickboxing title

Terence Cilia of the Ying Yang outclassed Tyron Muscat of the Wu Shu Ky on points.

Undercard – non title

Alan Ellul of the Ying Yang defeated Clayton Portelli of the Wu Shu Ky on points.

Lorna Mifsud of the Wu shy Ky defeated Jessie Davey of the Yin Yang on points

Andrew Hillsden of the Ying Yang defeated Joseph Fenech of the Wu Shu Ky on Points

The Hillsden vs Fenech fight is worth noting because Hillsden is 50 years of age and he was taking on an opponent half his age. Andrew Hillsden sporting a good physique and a good level of fitness started training kickboxing at the late age of 49 and considering his age his skill level is quite good, his fitness was also tested to the full when the judges ordered two extra rounds of one minute each as they could not decide on a winner.