Updated 5.40pm with Bulletproof statement
A boxing match between ex-Love Islanders Dale Mallia and Kyonne Gravina has been cancelled at the last minute due to unresolved contractual issues.
Mallia and Gravina, also known as Bello and Kuġin respectively, announced the cancellation on Friday, citing last-minute changes to their contract.
The nature of those last-minute changes remains a matter of dispute. While the two fighters say organisers Bulletproof Culture wanted to introduce "humiliating" post-match conditions, organisers say the fighters made "unrealistic" and last-minute financial demands.
What the fighters say
Gravina said that the last-minute changes would "involve us doing humiliating things in front of the audience”.
Among these were shaving their heads, live laser tattoo removal, and getting each other's names tattooed as a condition of losing.
Mallia added: “Some of the things they wanted us to do in front of people are ridiculous”.
The fighters accused Bulletproof Culture of exploiting them for content.
“They used us just for content,” Mallia said, with Gravina adding: “Just for them to gain views".
The dispute escalated on Thursday when the pair sought legal advice following repeated amendments to the match conditions.
The pair said that after they signed an agreement to engage in a match, organisers failed to put their own signatures to the terms and then proceeded to introduce various changes “unilaterally”.
“We focused more on the training than the contract,” admitted the fighters, who on Thursday said they hoped the matter would be resolved before the fight.
They expressed regret for disappointing fans who had purchased tickets, many of whom have since asked about refunds. Others, however, commended the pair for standing their ground.
What organisers say
Organisers, however, say the allegations being made by Gravina and Mallia are untrue. The real reason the fight was cancelled had to do with money, they said.
In a statement on Friday afternoon, organisers said:
"All the allegations being made by Gravina and Mallia are rejected as completely unfounded and false.
"In particular, it is not correct that the agreement with Gravina and Mallia failed due to lack of commitment from Bulletproof Culture. Unfortunately, both Gravina and Mallia had financial expectations which were unrealistic and not feasible in the circumstances. This also taking into account the fact that interest generated by the potential involvement of the pair did not meet expectations.
"We have nonetheless engaged with the involved parties and their legal representatives to address the concerns raised in good faith. Both Gravina and Mallia significantly raised their demands at the last minute, and a decision was taken not to entertain such requests.
"The fight between Gravina and Mallia was going to be just an exhibition fight within the main event. Therefore this fight was negligible in the highly anticipated event which will feature various respected and professional athletes.
"Furthermore, in relation to the comments made on alleged humiliating acts, Bulletproof Culture categorically rejects any suggestion that it has engaged in any degrading behaviour. This runs counter to our core values of respect and integrity and we have so far endeavoured to give a platform to promising individuals. The comments made in this regard are therefore extremely defamatory and Bulletproof Culture shall be taking all the appropriate action to safeguard its rights."
Event to proceed, minus fight
The Love Islanders' fight was part of the so-called "biggest fighting event on the island," set to take place on Friday evening at Ta’ Qali.
Despite the cancellation of Mallia and Gravina's bout, the event will feature 10 other matches.
A spokesperson for Bulletproof Culture told Times of Malta: “They had a golden opportunity, but they missed their chance”.
They said the cancelled bout was "negligible" when compared to the full event.
Fans and ticket-holders are now awaiting further updates, including whether refunds will be issued for Mallia and Gravina's cancelled match.