While the Malta Boxing Commission may have only become the official professional boxing sanctioning organisation for the Republic of Malta a matter of four months, their determination to establish pro boxing in the Islands is clearly evident, as today MBC president Alexander Zammit unveiled the first ever Malta national championship belt (photo).

The centerpiece of the new belt, which is crafted from solid bronze, features an enamelled background, in the red and white colours of the Maltesen flag, with a falcon as well as the Malta Boxing Commission and the legend ‘Champion’ raised in bronze.

Both MBC licenced and ex-pat Maltese boxers licenced overseas will be eligible to register their intention to contest the Malta national championships, which will be for all weight classes, from January 2012.

On unveiling the new Malta national championship belt MBC President Zammit said, “It’s truly exciting times for professional boxing here in Malta. It is exactly four months to the day since we, the Malta Boxing Commission, became affiliated with the European Boxing Union, yet here we are in the position to unveil the first Malta national professional championship belt.

“Currently we are aware of eight boxers that are eligible to compete for the titles, hopefully over the coming months there will not only be more boxers applying for their professional licence with the MBC, but also further Maltese boxers that are living abroad will register their interest in competing for the championship in their homeland.

“We are one hundred per cent committed to this new championship and eagerly look forward to the first national title fight, which hopefully will take place some time next year.”