Two local influencers known for their fitness content are taking it one step further in 2024, pledging to become pro boxers in the next 360 days. But while they’ve both said they expect to take a beating or two in the process, they probably weren’t expecting all the heat they’d get in the first hours of their announcement… triggering even an online spat with one of Malta’s best to ever do it.

“I’ve always had this dream growing up of actually becoming a real athlete and this burning desire to take the leap, so here it is,” Bulletproof co-founder Scott Schembri said on Instagram earlier this week. His announcement video was published alongside a similar one by Andriy John, the former Love Island Malta contestant who has since made a name for himself for his fitness content. “I believe in this so much that I’m just posting this out there and I’m doing this as proof that I’m putting myself out there.”

But within hours, Scott’s video had received a number of comments by people saying the pair stood no chance of success… with one coming from none other than Maltese pro boxer Steve Martin.

“No disrespect, but if you think you will reach professional level in 360 days, you’re in for a surprise buddy,” Martin initially commented. “If I were you, I’d start from the amateurs and work my way up.”

And while that comment didn’t sound too harsh, Scott’s reply – which started with a complaint that “sports in Malta will go nowhere” to him calling Martin out for his public comments and telling him “maybe one day I become pro by seeing you in the ring” – triggered a whole other shitstorm.