MALTA BOXING COMMISSION - UK, SCOTLAND & IRELAND SANCTIONING
Posted: 25 Feb 2015, 12:11
I have just been reading the thread about the Malta Boxing Commission in Scotland and felt that I would post some relevant information to give a clearer view of the situation.
Firstly the MBC are a legally recognised professional Boxing Sanctioning organisation with International offices in England (including regional offices), Scotland and Ireland.
Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International are members of the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) and as such it's rules and medical standards are exactly the same as it's fellow member NEVADA ATHLETIC COMMISSION, yes the very same as the sanctioning body that will oversee Mayweather-Pacquiao on May 2nd.
The British Boxing Board of Control have been misleading their membership with statements made to any of their license holders that wish to box or ply their trade on MBC events. The events are not 'unlicensed' as the BBBofC state, they are professionally sanctioned and recognised by all World Sanctioning Organisations - Check here on Boxrec also, the events and bouts are registered with both Boxrec and Fightfax and the rankings are as per the fighters standing.
The board have threatened sanctions against anyone taking part on an MBC event, which they cannot follow through with as per their own newly revised rules, which were changed as they cannot legally prevent any license holder acting in his or her own best interests - In other words they do not employ the license holders and cannot prevent them taking other work - THAT'S THE LAW
However, boxers, coaches, managers. promoters etc can also hold licenses from more than one sanctioning organisation and as such can hold both MBC & BBBofC licenses and fight on MBC shows with the MBC license and of course BBBofC events with their license and the BBBofC cannot take sanctions against anyone that chooses to do this - THAT'S THE LAW
The BBBofC have also stated to their license holders that they can not give permission for their license holders to ply their trade on MBC sanctioned events due to the MBC not being recognised by the EBU. OK, here's the facts - THE EBU IS A CHAMPIONSHIP ORGANISATION, just like the WBO, WBC, IBF, WBA etc and NOT A GOVERNING OR LICENSING ORGANISATION, so that is a red herring designed to mislead, as the board cannot legally prevent their license holders doing so.
The Malta Boxing Commission have already been through every aspect of British Trade Laws and European Trade Laws, due to current legal actions being undertaken by them, Luxembourg Boxing Federation, German Boxing Association, World Boxing Union, World Boxing Federation, Profession Boxing Promoters Association and a number of individuals against the BBBofC and the European Boxing Union with both the British Government Anti-Competition department and the European Courts.
As such should any BBBofC license holder receive any form of unwarranted action by the BBBofC for taking part in an event sanctioned by them, the MBC will provide legal representation at no cost to the license holder as well as for any court action against the BBBofC for restraint of trade.
Before getting to the main points of interest I feel that I should correct the misconceptions regarding the licensing of Iain Weaver.
Mr Weaver holds licenses from Malta Boxing Commission, Nevada Athletic Commission, California State Athletic Commission, New Jersey State Athletic Commission, Florida State Athletic Commission, Mexico and Canada.
Mr Weaver had also been offered licenses by the Boxing Union of Ireland and the Spanish - Mr Weaver didn't take up the Irish one as he would have had to live their for six months, the BBBofC and the EBU maliciously interfered with the Spanish application which lead to them backing out of licensing Mr Weaver - The MBC have the damning e.mails, please note the EBU provided them.
On making his application to the BBBofC Mr Weaver had four eminent Neurologists provide written reports, each of whom stated he is fit to box. The MBC has a team of four Neurology specialists, including two neurosurgeons, who all agreed that that there was no reason to refuse Mr Weaver being issued a Malta Boxing Commission professional Boxers license. We have written confirmation from he other organisations that licensed Mr Weaver that he had undertaken the same procedures - full medical - MRI or C Scan etc and in each case they concluded that they could find no reason not to License Mr Weaver, as such there has only ever been one organisation that has refused to license Mr Weaver and that is the BBBofC
Below is a detailed break down of the Malta Boxing Commission organisation.
MBC INTERNATIONAL - AN INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL BOXING SANCTIONING ORGANISATION.
Website: http://www.maltaboxingcommission.com
MBC International, the international division of the Malta Boxing Commission, which is the professional boxing sanctioning organisation for the Islands of Malta in the Mediterranean, began sanctioning events in the United Kingdom in October 2013, in 2014 MBC International sanctioned five UK events.
2015 is proving to be a pivotal year for MBC International, with in excess of forty events being sanctioned by both Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International in Malta, England, Scotland, Ireland, as well as will be sanctioning further events in Greece and Cyprus.
The Malta Boxing Commission has affiliations with virtually all World Boxing Sanctioning organisations, a number of regional Championship organisations as well as operates both National (Malta) and International Championships under the MBC International banner.
As such both the Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International have successfully officiated numerous Championship bouts, including World Championships.
MBC International operates a programme of co-operation with numerous boxing gyms throughout Malta and the United Kingdom for the development of boxing in the local region, This programme is financed directly by the MBC for the purpose of assisting youngsters into the sport as well as operate educational projects for disadvantaged youngsters.
MBC International are proudly involved in the development of a new wheelchair, which has been designed by eminent engineer Colin Wood, to enable disable boxers to be able to compete in the sport.
Discussions are already underway with both AIBA (The World governing body for Amateur Boxing) and the Olympic Committee for wheelchair boxing to become eligible as a Paralympic sport in the near future.
Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International also support amputee (leg) boxers and are willing to consider licensing amputees should they meet the stringent medical standards required.
MBC International is also involved in a co-operation with the Prize Fighter Championship organisation, by the developing a unique high protection lightweight glove (1oz).
It is expected that with these gloves and operating under recognised professional boxing rules and regulations the so called Bare Knuckle Boxing, under the MBC and PFC will move from being seen as an underground sport to become a recognised main stream sport.
In the same vein MBC International co-operates with recognised Kick Boxing associations, to allow their fighters to also be able to box professionally, this unique co-operation will enable current Kick Boxing World Champions and prospects to be able to box professionally as well as continue to compete at Kick Boxing events.
MBC International is also at the forefront in the development of Women’s boxing in both Malta and the United Kingdom, and is proud to not only have licensed the top British female boxers, which has allowed them to compete on equal terms, but also have one of these on the main board.
MBC International are also proud to be involved in the development of the upcoming Women’s World Boxing Championships, a World event that will be sanctioned by MBC International that will see the top female boxers from around the world compete to determine the true linear World Champion within each division.
MALTA BOXING COMMISSION
Parent company, The Malta Boxing Commission, was created in June 2011, at the request of the European Boxing Union, who operate the European and European Union Championships, and was ratified as a member at the EBU AGM in Dublin that year.
The Malta Boxing Commission was incorporated as a United Kingdom Limited Liability Company in 2012 and has approximately 150 licence holders of which around 70 are active boxers.
The Malta Boxing Commission has affiliation with virtually all World Boxing Sanctioning organisations, a number of regional Championship organisations as well as operates both National (Malta) and International Championships under the MBC International banner.
In 2014 both Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International were inducted into the prestigious Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC).
The Malta Boxing Commission’s primary focus - besides the licensing of professional boxers and their coaching, management and promotional agents, as well as the training and licensing of officials - is the raising of medical protection standards for the sport, as well as the application of the Association Of Boxing Commissions (ABC) Unified Rules and Regulations for Professional Boxing events.
Official bout record publishing, for events sanctioned by both the Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International are by BoxRec (UK) and FightFax (USA)
THE BOARD OF THE MALTA BOXING COMMISSION (MBC)
The board of the Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International comprises of some of the most respected people within boxing, each dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of their license holders and boxers that compete on events sanctioned by the MBC.
President: Mr. Steve Collins.
Steve Collins, is a former Irish Professional Boxer known as the "The Celtic Warrior", Mr. Collins is the former WBO Middleweight and Super Middleweight Champion of the World.
Vice President: Mr. Tim Witherspoon.
Tim Witherspoon, is a former American professional boxer known as ‘Terrible’ Tim. Mr. Witherspoon is a two time Heavyweight Champion of the World.
Vice President: Mr. Gianluca Di Caro.
Gianluca Di Caro, the former Marketing Director of the World Boxing Federation, is one of the founding partners of both the Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International as well as the Managing Director of World Championship organisation the World Boxing Union (WBU) - Europe,
Acting Chairman: Mr. Donny Lalonde
Donny Lalonde, is a former Canadian Professional Boxer known as the ‘Golden Boy’, Mr. Lalonde is the former WBC Light Heavyweight Champion of the World.
Vice Chairman: Mr. Carmelu Cardona
Carmelu Cardona is the former Chairman of the Maltese amateur boxing organisation Malta Boxing Federation and as such is highly respected as one of the leading officials within boxing on the Islands.
Chief Medical Officer (Malta) Dr Mark Xuereb M.D., M.R.C.Psych.(UK), M.C.E.M.(UK), M.M.C.F.D.
Dr. Xuereb, a member of the national crisis team at Mater Dei University Hospital, Malta,
as well as manages his own crisis team in a private pharmacy and private hospital in Malta, is the Islands leading ringside physician. Dr. Xuereb and his team of trauma specialist are the leading team for ringside medical services for all types of pugilistic arts events in Malta
Chief Medical Officer (UK) Dr Yousef Rashid M.D., MB BS (London 1992) DFFP RCOG
Dr Rashid, who heads up his own practice in London, is one of the UK’s leading ringside physicians, having provided medial coverage for pugilistic events, from the burgeoning white collar, through Mixed Martial Arts and of course professional boxing for the past twenty years.
Boxers Representative: Mr. Marlon Hunt
Marlon Hunt is a record holding nine time Kickboxing World Champion, Mr. Hunt is also a professional boxer.
Officials Representative: Mr. Lee Murtagh
Lee Murtagh is a former Irish Professional Boxer, Mr. Murtagh is the former Irish Super Middleweight Champion. Since retiring from the ring Mr. Murtagh has successfully officiated as a referee at a numerous of events, both in Malta and the UK. Mr. Murtagh is also the Northern Regional (UK) Chairman for MBC International.
Referee/Judges Representative: Mr. Billy Phillips
Billy Phillips is one of the UK’s top referees, Mr. Phillips, who has been involved in the sport of boxing for over fifty years, became the first British referee to officiate at the Olympics in over twenty years, when he was selected to officiate at the 2008 Beijing games.
Scottish Boxing Representative: Mr. Stewart Allan.
Stewart Allan, the President of MBC International Scottish Region, is also the President for the World Kick Boxing Association (Scotland). Mr. Allan is also an experienced professional boxing official.
Irish Boxing Representative: Mr. David Walshe
David Walshe has been involved in many aspects of Irish professional boxing for over twenty years, Mr. Walshe is a highly respected official within Irish boxing circles, as well as owns and operates the popular Irish boxing news website Irish Boxers.
Director of Female Boxing: Ms. Marianne Marston
Marianne Marston, the current MBC International Super Bantamweight Champion, is the protégé of legendary Heavyweight Champion of the World Smokin’ Joe Frazier. Ms Marston is responsible for all aspects of encouraging more females to the sport, including via her industry leading Women’s Boxing Classes series as well as the development of the Women’s World Boxing Championships.
HEAD OFFICE
Both the Malta Boxing Commission Limited and MBC International Head Office are based at 46 Greenhill Courts, Greenhill Terrace, London, SE18 4BS and is headed by Managing Director Mr. Gianluca Di Caro.
REGIONAL COUNCILS.
Currently there are five regional councils of the MBC, Malta, Northern (UK), Southern (UK), Scotland and Ireland.
Each Regional Council comprises of a Chairman, Secretary, Area Chief Medical Officer, a Chief Inspector and a Boxers Representative. A representative from each Council is also represented on the main board.
The Regional Council receives applications for licences in all categories and must consider each application fully and make a suitable recommendation to the MBC Board.
Only the MBC main Board has the power to grant an application for a licence, however Regional Councils do have the ability to suspend licences, subject to due process, and arbitrate in disputes between licence holders.
The Regional Council also considers applications for assistance from former boxers and others involved in boxing within their area, who are in need of financial or other assistance.
INSPECTORS
It is the duty of MBC appointed inspectors to ensure that all the relevant medicals and safeguards and controls are implemented at a boxing event.
They act as liaison officers between the promoter and the MBC Board or the Regional Council.
In the event of a boxer being pronounced unfit to box, it is an Inspector’s duty to inform the Promoter.
It is his/her duty to supervise the weigh-in of the competitors, to ensure that the ring is in accordance with Regulations, in particular, size, tightness of ropes, centre ties, ring underlay, padding and lighting.
It is also the Inspectors duty to ensure the gloves used in the tournament must be of suitable standard and in good condition.
It is also the duty of the Inspectors to be ringside observers, especially during the one minute break between rounds, to ensure that a boxer’s team members use only permitted substances and equipment.
REFEREES, JUDGES AND TIMEKEEPERS
All Referees, Judges and Timekeepers officiating at either a Malta Boxing Commission or MBC International sanctioned event are required to be licensed by either the Malta Boxing Commission or another officially recognised professional boxing sanctioning organisation.
Whilst the MBC currently only have respected and highly qualified Referees and Judges licensed, there are regular Referee and Judges courses, undertaken by either World recognised and highly respected Championship referee and Judge, Mr. Mickey Vann or the highly respected 2008 Beijing Olympics Referee and also a recognised Championship Judge, Mr. Billy Phillips, to ensure that the MBC will continue to have World class referees and judges available in the future.
Chief MBC Timekeeper, Mr. Ken Honniball, also undertakes training of potential MBC Timekeepers, this is in the form of a training course as well as the shadowing of MBC Timekeepers at events.
Only the MBC Board appoints Referees, Judges and Timekeepers for events sanctioned by themselves and each are paid a set fee, which is determined by the size and nature of the particular event and by the nature of any particular main event or Championship contest to which they have been appointed.
MEDICAL OFFICERS
Both the Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International endeavour to ensure that when a doctor is appointed to the panel of recognised Medical Officers, he or she does not just have knowledge of the most common injuries that may occur during the course of a boxing match, but also have full knowledge of all injuries as well as are able to spot the signs of possible neurological problems, to this end every Doctor appointed receives a copy of the Association of Boxing Commission Ringside Medicine Handbook.
Only MBC head office can appoint Medical Officers, as well as provide the appointment of ringside medical coverage at any event sanctioned by the Malta Boxing Commission or MBC International, As such promoters are not permitted to make their own arrangements for the medical coverage at events sanctioned by the Malta Boxing Commission or MBC International.
On the day of a boxing event, or in the case of Championship bouts also the day before an event, the official MBC Medical Officer appointed for the event will attend the weigh in, where each boxer undertakes a pre-bout medical examination and is questioned on his/her medical history.
This applies to all boxers, whether licensed by Malta Boxing Commission or those from overseas and licensed by another recognised national boxing organisation.
If the Medical Officer is unsatisfied about the condition of either boxer, then he/she will not sign the required form, without which the bout would not be allowed to take place.
It is a requirement that at least one doctor, as well as two fully qualified and equipped paramedics, be seated ringside before an event can begin. It should also be noted that it is an MBC requirement that a fully equipped ambulance must be on standby immediately positioned at the nearest entrance to the medical room prior to commencement of a MBC Sanctioned event.
Doctors and Paramedics at ringside must be clearly identifiable and seated where they can see clearly and gain immediate access to the ring should a competitor require treatment.
At least one of the ringside Medical Officers must be practised and qualified in the management of an unconscious or partially conscious patients. In effect this means that at least one of the doctors in attendance at an MBC sanctioned event is either a Consultant Anaesthetist, a Consultant in an Accident and Emergency Unit at a hospital or an Emergency Response Trauma Specialist
Whilst the referee is in sole charge of any bout and as such the only person permitted to stop a contest, the Medical Officer may call for the attention of the Referee should he/she be concerned for the health and safety of a competing boxer.
The Medical Officer may also, on inspection of an injury or inspection of a competitor during the one minute break between rounds, advise the referee that the contest should not continue for the health and safety of the competitor.
The Ringside Medical Officers are responsible in inspecting both competitors immediately on the conclusion of the bout, to ensure the health and safety of the competitor as well as undertake a post bout medical.
No boxer is permitted to leave a venue after a contest without having been cleared fit to do so by one of the Medical Officers in attendance.
Ringside Medical Officers have the power to impose or extend a medical suspension on a licence regardless of whether or not the boxer has won, lost or drawn the contest.
MBC Chief Medical Officer, Dr Mark Xuereb M.D., M.R.C.Psych.(UK), M.C.E.M.(UK), M.M.C.F.D. provides advice to the MBC Board, as well as co-operates with Medical Officers from each of the Regional Councils. Dr Xuereb is a member of the national crisis team at Mater Dei University Hospital, Malta, as well as manages his own crisis team in a private pharmacy and private hospital in Malta,
In addition both the Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International are able to call upon a number of specialists Consultants, in the UK, Malta and Europe, within the fields of neurology, neurosurgery, orthopaedic surgery, ophthalmology and cardiology, which ensures that they have the best treatment available for their license holders as well as are able to keep abreast of developments within these specialist areas.
BOXERS
The most important category of all, these are the exceptional men and women who compete, without whom, the sport would not exist at all.
As such the health and safety of the boxers is the Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International primary concern.
Whilst neither the Malta Boxing Commission, or MBC International, have a policy to actively recruit boxers, they are willing to accept applications for licenses.
To be eligible for a Malta Boxing Commission license, applicants are required to prove a reasonable level of amateur boxing, or other pugilistic sport such as Kick Boxing, experience.
For novice boxers it is also required that a full contact sparring test session, against a licensed boxer of the same weight, to ensure that they have suitable ability to compete.
It is a requirement that applicants undertake a full medical, as well as blood screening, for HIV, Hepatitis C Antigen, Hepatitis B Antigen, Hepatitis B Surface Antibody, on application as well as annually for the duration of their license.
It is also a requirement that the applicant undertakes an MRI/MRA scan on application as well as annually for the duration of their license.
To ensure the health and safety of a competitor at an event, the competitor must also undertake a pre-contest medical.
Also that at the conclusion of the bout that the competitor is inspected immediately by the official MBC Ringside Medical Officer as well as undertake a post-bout medical.
Should a boxer suffers a head injury during a competition, it is imperative that he or she are transported to the nearest neurosurgical unit as rapidly as possible.
To ensure that this is possible both Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International contact the local A&E as well as the nearest Neurological centre to inform them that an event will take place, as well as provide direct telephone contact from the Ringside Medical Officer to the nearest A&E or Neurological unit to ensure that they will be on full alert and expect an injured boxer.
MBC BOXERS MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
1.
Blood Work: HIV (must be drawn within 30 days of submitting all requirements to become licensed), Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, and Hepatitis C Antibody (Hepatitis B & C blood work can be drawn within the calendar year).
2.
Physical: Must be administered by a licensed M.D. or D.O. and is good for one calendar year.
3.
Eye Exam: Must submit a dilated ophthalmological exam administered by a licensed ophthalmologist. This exam is valid for one calendar year.
4.
Radiological Exams: Must submit an MRI or MRA of the brain without contrast on an annual basis.
5.
Older Fighters: Professional boxers who will turn 36 during this calendar year, or is 36 and over must submit a comprehensive physical exam administered by a licensed M.D. or D.O., an EKG, Chest X-Ray, Urinalysis, and additional blood work including: CBC, Chemistry Panel containing Electrolytes, Creatinine, and Liver Function.
6.
Additional Requirements: For professional boxers who has not fought a professional fight in the last 36 months, has fought over 425 professional rounds and is not under suspension in another state or country need to submit a comprehensive physical exam administered by a licensed M.D. or D.O., an EKG, Chest X-Ray, Urinalysis, and additional blood work including: CBC, Chemistry Panel containing Electrolytes, Creatinine, and Liver Function.
MALTA BOXING COMMISSION & MBC INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONED EVENT MEDICAL COVERAGE
The MINIMUM medical coverage required for events sanctioned by the Malta Boxing Commission and the MBC International sanctioned events are:
Events featuring up to five (5) bouts
Equipped Medical Room including defibrillator
One Doctor
Two Paramedics
One Emergency Equipped Ambulance
Please note: though the above is the minimum standard, we do recommend that a second doctor to be on standby at the venue at all times.
Events featuring more than five (5) bouts but no more than ten bouts (10)
Equipped Medical Room including defibrillator
Two Doctors
Two Paramedics
One Emergency Equipped Ambulance
Please note: though the above is the minimum standard, we do advise that a third doctor and a second ambulance and paramedic team to be on standby at the venue at all times.
Events featuring more than ten (10) bouts, or Championship events
Equipped Medical Room including defibrillator
Two Doctors
Four Paramedics
Two Emergency Equipped Ambulances
Please note: That the doctors are provided through the official MBC General Medical Officer – in each case one of whom is either an Emergency Response Trauma Specialist, Neurologist or anaesthetist.
INSURANCE
For 2015 the Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International insurance coverage for competitors and their ring team have increased to;
Death - £75,000
Disability – to a maximum of £25,000 per injury
Firstly the MBC are a legally recognised professional Boxing Sanctioning organisation with International offices in England (including regional offices), Scotland and Ireland.
Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International are members of the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) and as such it's rules and medical standards are exactly the same as it's fellow member NEVADA ATHLETIC COMMISSION, yes the very same as the sanctioning body that will oversee Mayweather-Pacquiao on May 2nd.
The British Boxing Board of Control have been misleading their membership with statements made to any of their license holders that wish to box or ply their trade on MBC events. The events are not 'unlicensed' as the BBBofC state, they are professionally sanctioned and recognised by all World Sanctioning Organisations - Check here on Boxrec also, the events and bouts are registered with both Boxrec and Fightfax and the rankings are as per the fighters standing.
The board have threatened sanctions against anyone taking part on an MBC event, which they cannot follow through with as per their own newly revised rules, which were changed as they cannot legally prevent any license holder acting in his or her own best interests - In other words they do not employ the license holders and cannot prevent them taking other work - THAT'S THE LAW
However, boxers, coaches, managers. promoters etc can also hold licenses from more than one sanctioning organisation and as such can hold both MBC & BBBofC licenses and fight on MBC shows with the MBC license and of course BBBofC events with their license and the BBBofC cannot take sanctions against anyone that chooses to do this - THAT'S THE LAW
The BBBofC have also stated to their license holders that they can not give permission for their license holders to ply their trade on MBC sanctioned events due to the MBC not being recognised by the EBU. OK, here's the facts - THE EBU IS A CHAMPIONSHIP ORGANISATION, just like the WBO, WBC, IBF, WBA etc and NOT A GOVERNING OR LICENSING ORGANISATION, so that is a red herring designed to mislead, as the board cannot legally prevent their license holders doing so.
The Malta Boxing Commission have already been through every aspect of British Trade Laws and European Trade Laws, due to current legal actions being undertaken by them, Luxembourg Boxing Federation, German Boxing Association, World Boxing Union, World Boxing Federation, Profession Boxing Promoters Association and a number of individuals against the BBBofC and the European Boxing Union with both the British Government Anti-Competition department and the European Courts.
As such should any BBBofC license holder receive any form of unwarranted action by the BBBofC for taking part in an event sanctioned by them, the MBC will provide legal representation at no cost to the license holder as well as for any court action against the BBBofC for restraint of trade.
Before getting to the main points of interest I feel that I should correct the misconceptions regarding the licensing of Iain Weaver.
Mr Weaver holds licenses from Malta Boxing Commission, Nevada Athletic Commission, California State Athletic Commission, New Jersey State Athletic Commission, Florida State Athletic Commission, Mexico and Canada.
Mr Weaver had also been offered licenses by the Boxing Union of Ireland and the Spanish - Mr Weaver didn't take up the Irish one as he would have had to live their for six months, the BBBofC and the EBU maliciously interfered with the Spanish application which lead to them backing out of licensing Mr Weaver - The MBC have the damning e.mails, please note the EBU provided them.
On making his application to the BBBofC Mr Weaver had four eminent Neurologists provide written reports, each of whom stated he is fit to box. The MBC has a team of four Neurology specialists, including two neurosurgeons, who all agreed that that there was no reason to refuse Mr Weaver being issued a Malta Boxing Commission professional Boxers license. We have written confirmation from he other organisations that licensed Mr Weaver that he had undertaken the same procedures - full medical - MRI or C Scan etc and in each case they concluded that they could find no reason not to License Mr Weaver, as such there has only ever been one organisation that has refused to license Mr Weaver and that is the BBBofC
Below is a detailed break down of the Malta Boxing Commission organisation.
MBC INTERNATIONAL - AN INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL BOXING SANCTIONING ORGANISATION.
Website: http://www.maltaboxingcommission.com
MBC International, the international division of the Malta Boxing Commission, which is the professional boxing sanctioning organisation for the Islands of Malta in the Mediterranean, began sanctioning events in the United Kingdom in October 2013, in 2014 MBC International sanctioned five UK events.
2015 is proving to be a pivotal year for MBC International, with in excess of forty events being sanctioned by both Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International in Malta, England, Scotland, Ireland, as well as will be sanctioning further events in Greece and Cyprus.
The Malta Boxing Commission has affiliations with virtually all World Boxing Sanctioning organisations, a number of regional Championship organisations as well as operates both National (Malta) and International Championships under the MBC International banner.
As such both the Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International have successfully officiated numerous Championship bouts, including World Championships.
MBC International operates a programme of co-operation with numerous boxing gyms throughout Malta and the United Kingdom for the development of boxing in the local region, This programme is financed directly by the MBC for the purpose of assisting youngsters into the sport as well as operate educational projects for disadvantaged youngsters.
MBC International are proudly involved in the development of a new wheelchair, which has been designed by eminent engineer Colin Wood, to enable disable boxers to be able to compete in the sport.
Discussions are already underway with both AIBA (The World governing body for Amateur Boxing) and the Olympic Committee for wheelchair boxing to become eligible as a Paralympic sport in the near future.
Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International also support amputee (leg) boxers and are willing to consider licensing amputees should they meet the stringent medical standards required.
MBC International is also involved in a co-operation with the Prize Fighter Championship organisation, by the developing a unique high protection lightweight glove (1oz).
It is expected that with these gloves and operating under recognised professional boxing rules and regulations the so called Bare Knuckle Boxing, under the MBC and PFC will move from being seen as an underground sport to become a recognised main stream sport.
In the same vein MBC International co-operates with recognised Kick Boxing associations, to allow their fighters to also be able to box professionally, this unique co-operation will enable current Kick Boxing World Champions and prospects to be able to box professionally as well as continue to compete at Kick Boxing events.
MBC International is also at the forefront in the development of Women’s boxing in both Malta and the United Kingdom, and is proud to not only have licensed the top British female boxers, which has allowed them to compete on equal terms, but also have one of these on the main board.
MBC International are also proud to be involved in the development of the upcoming Women’s World Boxing Championships, a World event that will be sanctioned by MBC International that will see the top female boxers from around the world compete to determine the true linear World Champion within each division.
MALTA BOXING COMMISSION
Parent company, The Malta Boxing Commission, was created in June 2011, at the request of the European Boxing Union, who operate the European and European Union Championships, and was ratified as a member at the EBU AGM in Dublin that year.
The Malta Boxing Commission was incorporated as a United Kingdom Limited Liability Company in 2012 and has approximately 150 licence holders of which around 70 are active boxers.
The Malta Boxing Commission has affiliation with virtually all World Boxing Sanctioning organisations, a number of regional Championship organisations as well as operates both National (Malta) and International Championships under the MBC International banner.
In 2014 both Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International were inducted into the prestigious Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC).
The Malta Boxing Commission’s primary focus - besides the licensing of professional boxers and their coaching, management and promotional agents, as well as the training and licensing of officials - is the raising of medical protection standards for the sport, as well as the application of the Association Of Boxing Commissions (ABC) Unified Rules and Regulations for Professional Boxing events.
Official bout record publishing, for events sanctioned by both the Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International are by BoxRec (UK) and FightFax (USA)
THE BOARD OF THE MALTA BOXING COMMISSION (MBC)
The board of the Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International comprises of some of the most respected people within boxing, each dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of their license holders and boxers that compete on events sanctioned by the MBC.
President: Mr. Steve Collins.
Steve Collins, is a former Irish Professional Boxer known as the "The Celtic Warrior", Mr. Collins is the former WBO Middleweight and Super Middleweight Champion of the World.
Vice President: Mr. Tim Witherspoon.
Tim Witherspoon, is a former American professional boxer known as ‘Terrible’ Tim. Mr. Witherspoon is a two time Heavyweight Champion of the World.
Vice President: Mr. Gianluca Di Caro.
Gianluca Di Caro, the former Marketing Director of the World Boxing Federation, is one of the founding partners of both the Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International as well as the Managing Director of World Championship organisation the World Boxing Union (WBU) - Europe,
Acting Chairman: Mr. Donny Lalonde
Donny Lalonde, is a former Canadian Professional Boxer known as the ‘Golden Boy’, Mr. Lalonde is the former WBC Light Heavyweight Champion of the World.
Vice Chairman: Mr. Carmelu Cardona
Carmelu Cardona is the former Chairman of the Maltese amateur boxing organisation Malta Boxing Federation and as such is highly respected as one of the leading officials within boxing on the Islands.
Chief Medical Officer (Malta) Dr Mark Xuereb M.D., M.R.C.Psych.(UK), M.C.E.M.(UK), M.M.C.F.D.
Dr. Xuereb, a member of the national crisis team at Mater Dei University Hospital, Malta,
as well as manages his own crisis team in a private pharmacy and private hospital in Malta, is the Islands leading ringside physician. Dr. Xuereb and his team of trauma specialist are the leading team for ringside medical services for all types of pugilistic arts events in Malta
Chief Medical Officer (UK) Dr Yousef Rashid M.D., MB BS (London 1992) DFFP RCOG
Dr Rashid, who heads up his own practice in London, is one of the UK’s leading ringside physicians, having provided medial coverage for pugilistic events, from the burgeoning white collar, through Mixed Martial Arts and of course professional boxing for the past twenty years.
Boxers Representative: Mr. Marlon Hunt
Marlon Hunt is a record holding nine time Kickboxing World Champion, Mr. Hunt is also a professional boxer.
Officials Representative: Mr. Lee Murtagh
Lee Murtagh is a former Irish Professional Boxer, Mr. Murtagh is the former Irish Super Middleweight Champion. Since retiring from the ring Mr. Murtagh has successfully officiated as a referee at a numerous of events, both in Malta and the UK. Mr. Murtagh is also the Northern Regional (UK) Chairman for MBC International.
Referee/Judges Representative: Mr. Billy Phillips
Billy Phillips is one of the UK’s top referees, Mr. Phillips, who has been involved in the sport of boxing for over fifty years, became the first British referee to officiate at the Olympics in over twenty years, when he was selected to officiate at the 2008 Beijing games.
Scottish Boxing Representative: Mr. Stewart Allan.
Stewart Allan, the President of MBC International Scottish Region, is also the President for the World Kick Boxing Association (Scotland). Mr. Allan is also an experienced professional boxing official.
Irish Boxing Representative: Mr. David Walshe
David Walshe has been involved in many aspects of Irish professional boxing for over twenty years, Mr. Walshe is a highly respected official within Irish boxing circles, as well as owns and operates the popular Irish boxing news website Irish Boxers.
Director of Female Boxing: Ms. Marianne Marston
Marianne Marston, the current MBC International Super Bantamweight Champion, is the protégé of legendary Heavyweight Champion of the World Smokin’ Joe Frazier. Ms Marston is responsible for all aspects of encouraging more females to the sport, including via her industry leading Women’s Boxing Classes series as well as the development of the Women’s World Boxing Championships.
HEAD OFFICE
Both the Malta Boxing Commission Limited and MBC International Head Office are based at 46 Greenhill Courts, Greenhill Terrace, London, SE18 4BS and is headed by Managing Director Mr. Gianluca Di Caro.
REGIONAL COUNCILS.
Currently there are five regional councils of the MBC, Malta, Northern (UK), Southern (UK), Scotland and Ireland.
Each Regional Council comprises of a Chairman, Secretary, Area Chief Medical Officer, a Chief Inspector and a Boxers Representative. A representative from each Council is also represented on the main board.
The Regional Council receives applications for licences in all categories and must consider each application fully and make a suitable recommendation to the MBC Board.
Only the MBC main Board has the power to grant an application for a licence, however Regional Councils do have the ability to suspend licences, subject to due process, and arbitrate in disputes between licence holders.
The Regional Council also considers applications for assistance from former boxers and others involved in boxing within their area, who are in need of financial or other assistance.
INSPECTORS
It is the duty of MBC appointed inspectors to ensure that all the relevant medicals and safeguards and controls are implemented at a boxing event.
They act as liaison officers between the promoter and the MBC Board or the Regional Council.
In the event of a boxer being pronounced unfit to box, it is an Inspector’s duty to inform the Promoter.
It is his/her duty to supervise the weigh-in of the competitors, to ensure that the ring is in accordance with Regulations, in particular, size, tightness of ropes, centre ties, ring underlay, padding and lighting.
It is also the Inspectors duty to ensure the gloves used in the tournament must be of suitable standard and in good condition.
It is also the duty of the Inspectors to be ringside observers, especially during the one minute break between rounds, to ensure that a boxer’s team members use only permitted substances and equipment.
REFEREES, JUDGES AND TIMEKEEPERS
All Referees, Judges and Timekeepers officiating at either a Malta Boxing Commission or MBC International sanctioned event are required to be licensed by either the Malta Boxing Commission or another officially recognised professional boxing sanctioning organisation.
Whilst the MBC currently only have respected and highly qualified Referees and Judges licensed, there are regular Referee and Judges courses, undertaken by either World recognised and highly respected Championship referee and Judge, Mr. Mickey Vann or the highly respected 2008 Beijing Olympics Referee and also a recognised Championship Judge, Mr. Billy Phillips, to ensure that the MBC will continue to have World class referees and judges available in the future.
Chief MBC Timekeeper, Mr. Ken Honniball, also undertakes training of potential MBC Timekeepers, this is in the form of a training course as well as the shadowing of MBC Timekeepers at events.
Only the MBC Board appoints Referees, Judges and Timekeepers for events sanctioned by themselves and each are paid a set fee, which is determined by the size and nature of the particular event and by the nature of any particular main event or Championship contest to which they have been appointed.
MEDICAL OFFICERS
Both the Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International endeavour to ensure that when a doctor is appointed to the panel of recognised Medical Officers, he or she does not just have knowledge of the most common injuries that may occur during the course of a boxing match, but also have full knowledge of all injuries as well as are able to spot the signs of possible neurological problems, to this end every Doctor appointed receives a copy of the Association of Boxing Commission Ringside Medicine Handbook.
Only MBC head office can appoint Medical Officers, as well as provide the appointment of ringside medical coverage at any event sanctioned by the Malta Boxing Commission or MBC International, As such promoters are not permitted to make their own arrangements for the medical coverage at events sanctioned by the Malta Boxing Commission or MBC International.
On the day of a boxing event, or in the case of Championship bouts also the day before an event, the official MBC Medical Officer appointed for the event will attend the weigh in, where each boxer undertakes a pre-bout medical examination and is questioned on his/her medical history.
This applies to all boxers, whether licensed by Malta Boxing Commission or those from overseas and licensed by another recognised national boxing organisation.
If the Medical Officer is unsatisfied about the condition of either boxer, then he/she will not sign the required form, without which the bout would not be allowed to take place.
It is a requirement that at least one doctor, as well as two fully qualified and equipped paramedics, be seated ringside before an event can begin. It should also be noted that it is an MBC requirement that a fully equipped ambulance must be on standby immediately positioned at the nearest entrance to the medical room prior to commencement of a MBC Sanctioned event.
Doctors and Paramedics at ringside must be clearly identifiable and seated where they can see clearly and gain immediate access to the ring should a competitor require treatment.
At least one of the ringside Medical Officers must be practised and qualified in the management of an unconscious or partially conscious patients. In effect this means that at least one of the doctors in attendance at an MBC sanctioned event is either a Consultant Anaesthetist, a Consultant in an Accident and Emergency Unit at a hospital or an Emergency Response Trauma Specialist
Whilst the referee is in sole charge of any bout and as such the only person permitted to stop a contest, the Medical Officer may call for the attention of the Referee should he/she be concerned for the health and safety of a competing boxer.
The Medical Officer may also, on inspection of an injury or inspection of a competitor during the one minute break between rounds, advise the referee that the contest should not continue for the health and safety of the competitor.
The Ringside Medical Officers are responsible in inspecting both competitors immediately on the conclusion of the bout, to ensure the health and safety of the competitor as well as undertake a post bout medical.
No boxer is permitted to leave a venue after a contest without having been cleared fit to do so by one of the Medical Officers in attendance.
Ringside Medical Officers have the power to impose or extend a medical suspension on a licence regardless of whether or not the boxer has won, lost or drawn the contest.
MBC Chief Medical Officer, Dr Mark Xuereb M.D., M.R.C.Psych.(UK), M.C.E.M.(UK), M.M.C.F.D. provides advice to the MBC Board, as well as co-operates with Medical Officers from each of the Regional Councils. Dr Xuereb is a member of the national crisis team at Mater Dei University Hospital, Malta, as well as manages his own crisis team in a private pharmacy and private hospital in Malta,
In addition both the Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International are able to call upon a number of specialists Consultants, in the UK, Malta and Europe, within the fields of neurology, neurosurgery, orthopaedic surgery, ophthalmology and cardiology, which ensures that they have the best treatment available for their license holders as well as are able to keep abreast of developments within these specialist areas.
BOXERS
The most important category of all, these are the exceptional men and women who compete, without whom, the sport would not exist at all.
As such the health and safety of the boxers is the Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International primary concern.
Whilst neither the Malta Boxing Commission, or MBC International, have a policy to actively recruit boxers, they are willing to accept applications for licenses.
To be eligible for a Malta Boxing Commission license, applicants are required to prove a reasonable level of amateur boxing, or other pugilistic sport such as Kick Boxing, experience.
For novice boxers it is also required that a full contact sparring test session, against a licensed boxer of the same weight, to ensure that they have suitable ability to compete.
It is a requirement that applicants undertake a full medical, as well as blood screening, for HIV, Hepatitis C Antigen, Hepatitis B Antigen, Hepatitis B Surface Antibody, on application as well as annually for the duration of their license.
It is also a requirement that the applicant undertakes an MRI/MRA scan on application as well as annually for the duration of their license.
To ensure the health and safety of a competitor at an event, the competitor must also undertake a pre-contest medical.
Also that at the conclusion of the bout that the competitor is inspected immediately by the official MBC Ringside Medical Officer as well as undertake a post-bout medical.
Should a boxer suffers a head injury during a competition, it is imperative that he or she are transported to the nearest neurosurgical unit as rapidly as possible.
To ensure that this is possible both Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International contact the local A&E as well as the nearest Neurological centre to inform them that an event will take place, as well as provide direct telephone contact from the Ringside Medical Officer to the nearest A&E or Neurological unit to ensure that they will be on full alert and expect an injured boxer.
MBC BOXERS MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
1.
Blood Work: HIV (must be drawn within 30 days of submitting all requirements to become licensed), Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, and Hepatitis C Antibody (Hepatitis B & C blood work can be drawn within the calendar year).
2.
Physical: Must be administered by a licensed M.D. or D.O. and is good for one calendar year.
3.
Eye Exam: Must submit a dilated ophthalmological exam administered by a licensed ophthalmologist. This exam is valid for one calendar year.
4.
Radiological Exams: Must submit an MRI or MRA of the brain without contrast on an annual basis.
5.
Older Fighters: Professional boxers who will turn 36 during this calendar year, or is 36 and over must submit a comprehensive physical exam administered by a licensed M.D. or D.O., an EKG, Chest X-Ray, Urinalysis, and additional blood work including: CBC, Chemistry Panel containing Electrolytes, Creatinine, and Liver Function.
6.
Additional Requirements: For professional boxers who has not fought a professional fight in the last 36 months, has fought over 425 professional rounds and is not under suspension in another state or country need to submit a comprehensive physical exam administered by a licensed M.D. or D.O., an EKG, Chest X-Ray, Urinalysis, and additional blood work including: CBC, Chemistry Panel containing Electrolytes, Creatinine, and Liver Function.
MALTA BOXING COMMISSION & MBC INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONED EVENT MEDICAL COVERAGE
The MINIMUM medical coverage required for events sanctioned by the Malta Boxing Commission and the MBC International sanctioned events are:
Events featuring up to five (5) bouts
Equipped Medical Room including defibrillator
One Doctor
Two Paramedics
One Emergency Equipped Ambulance
Please note: though the above is the minimum standard, we do recommend that a second doctor to be on standby at the venue at all times.
Events featuring more than five (5) bouts but no more than ten bouts (10)
Equipped Medical Room including defibrillator
Two Doctors
Two Paramedics
One Emergency Equipped Ambulance
Please note: though the above is the minimum standard, we do advise that a third doctor and a second ambulance and paramedic team to be on standby at the venue at all times.
Events featuring more than ten (10) bouts, or Championship events
Equipped Medical Room including defibrillator
Two Doctors
Four Paramedics
Two Emergency Equipped Ambulances
Please note: That the doctors are provided through the official MBC General Medical Officer – in each case one of whom is either an Emergency Response Trauma Specialist, Neurologist or anaesthetist.
INSURANCE
For 2015 the Malta Boxing Commission and MBC International insurance coverage for competitors and their ring team have increased to;
Death - £75,000
Disability – to a maximum of £25,000 per injury
Glory days