Former world boxing champion Steve Dixon, who has been a resident of Malta for the past six years, is still training Billy Corito and Steve Martin, top boxers in Malta, as well as the talented Stephanie Chircop, who was a TV presenter of a popular programme.

Dixon twice won the world and British Empire welterweight and light welterweight titles. Since arriving in Malta he only had one intention – that of improving boxing levels among the locals as the sport was dormant on the island at that time.

At present he is still training and coaching the above mentioned boxers who are both licenced through the Scottish Boxing Federation. Until a few months ago, he used to train between 20 and 30 boxers. He says that apart from Corito and Martin, the others are still too far – they do not have enough experience – to get a boxing licence.

Asked about the fact that the Malta Boxing Commission can now issue licences to local boxers, he said this was a step in the right direction. However, the two sides do not agree on several issues. Dixon, who is also in possession of a trainer’s licence since 2004, says that in Malta, they do not want him to be involved any more in boxing.

He firmly believes that a personal vendetta has been concocted against him after some news on a local TV station and some local newspapers (not The Malta Independent) carryied items about his involvement in drug trafficking which, he claims, is all rubbish. He believes such treatment has led most boxing enthusiasts on the island to believe that he is a criminal, something which he vehemently denies.

He told The Malta Independent: “I am just a pugilist. I was, still is and will always be a boxer with a lot of passion for the sport.”

He also said that the surname Dixon is not a coincidence. He added: “When I was 16 years old, I decided to change my real surname – Semple – to Dixon. It was simply because I have a lot of respect for my grandfather Toby. He was a great boxer himself. He trained six world champions and over a 100 national champions. He fought his last one when he was 44 years old. Now he is 84 and he still trains daily. This is mostly due to the fact that he never drinks and never smokes. I feel that those who act against me go also against such a great man who has done a lot for boxing, especially in Scotland.

“He was so good to me. When he emigrated to Canada, he also trained some boxers there, some of whom ended winning championships. This is why I respect him so much. In fact, I even named my gym after his surname – Dixon’s Gym.” he added.

Dixon says the only door left open for him is God. The boxer, in fact, said he now relies on God’s help so that his name is cleared. “I am positive. I am sure the whole truth will come out. I am praying to God every day. I am a strong Christian. I believe in God. I am sure He will show me the way. I will forgive all those who have acted against me. May God bless them,” he said.