Maltese Boxers - of Yesteryear:

Boxing has had more than its fair share of controversial and notorious personalities in and out of the ring and Maltese boxing is no exception.

One of the most controversial professional Maltese boxers ever to go between the ropes is without a doubt, Alex Vella also known as “The Maltese Falcon”.

Many Maltese boxing historians have conveniently forgotten to include Alex Vella in their list of Maltese immigrants in Australia who made it as pros in the ring.

Alex was born in Malta in 1954 in very humble surroundings and along with his family he immigrated to Australia in 1960. These were hard times and Alex is reputed to have been working at several jobs at the same time.

According to boxrec.com, the only listed Alex Vella, in Australia had his official pro debut on the 15^th October 1969 – as a light heavyweight, which would have made Vella, not older than sixteen years of age.

Alex Vella, according to official records had 13 professional fights in his carrier – won 8 (Ko 3) lost 5 (KO 1). An article on Wikipedia states that he was also the Maltese, light heavy weight champion however to date; Malta Boxing News cannot find any record of Alex Vella having boxed in Malta for the title.

Alex Vella did not gain his notorious fame in boxing but as the alleged leader of one of the largest bike clubs in the world the “Rebels Motorcycle Club” and in a number of run-ins with the Australian police, who have been doing their best to deport Vella from Australia even though he has lived there for fifty years.

Alex Vella has a son – Adam Vella, also a professional boxer, who according to boxrec.com records last fought in the ring, on the 17 of March, 2007 - Koji Sato, in Japan. Adam has a record of 21 fights – Won 19 (KO 6) Lost 2 (KO 1).

News Paper Article - Reproduced from - Allmalta.com