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Month: October 2025

Hugo Micallef to Fight for IBF European Title in Monaco Showdown

by: Cassandra Tanti
31/10/2025
Hugo Micallef v Michal Bulik

On Saturday 6th December 2025, the Salle des Étoiles will host one of the most significant nights in Monaco’s boxing history as local fighter Hugo ‘The Fresh Prince of Monaco’ Micallef steps into the ring for the biggest bout of his professional career.

The undefeated Monegasque contender will face Ireland’s Sean ‘The Public Nuisance’ McComb in a 10-round contest in the super-lightweight division, with the IBF European title on the line.

The belt, sanctioned by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) – one of boxing’s four major global governing bodies alongside the WBA, WBC and WBO – is a crucial stepping stone for fighters looking to break into the upper echelons of the sport.

Micallef, 26, has been steadily climbing the ranks since turning professional in September 2021, and currently holds an unblemished record of 11 wins, including three by knockout. His opponent, McComb, brings both experience and grit, with 20 wins (5 KOs), two draws, and a reputation for high-pressure, high-volume fighting.

The event is being staged under the banner of Matchroom Boxing, one of the world’s leading promotional outfits, and will be broadcast internationally via streaming platform DAZN.

A defining moment in Micallef’s rise

For Micallef, a victory on home soil would mark a turning point in his career, potentially opening doors to even greater opportunities on the European and world stage.

“This fight means everything to me — representing Monaco at this level, in front of my home crowd, with a title on the line… it’s what I’ve been working toward since day one,” the boxer recently told reporters.

The Salle des Étoiles, known for hosting legendary music and sporting events, will offer an intimate yet electric setting for the high-stakes showdown.

A platform for Monaco boxing

The fight also signifies the growing profile of professional boxing in Monaco, a nation more commonly associated with Formula 1 and tennis, but one that has quietly fostered a rising talent in Micallef.

McComb, a southpaw known for his relentless pace and tactical ring IQ, will present the sternest test of Micallef’s career to date. The Irishman’s resume includes tough opponents across multiple countries, and he will be looking to spoil the party and claim the IBF belt for himself.

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Monaco unveils 2025 €2 coin honouring the Marquisate of Les Baux

by: Cassandra Tanti
31/10/2025

As part of a new commemorative series launched in 2025, the Principality of Monaco is issuing a €2 proof coin dedicated to the historic Marquisate of Les Baux — a symbolic title held by Hereditary Prince Jacques since birth.

The release forms part of a wider initiative marking the 10th anniversary of the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco network, which celebrates the family’s feudal heritage across France and beyond through heritage tourism and cultural promotion.

Following the earlier 2025 release of a coin dedicated to the County of Carladès — a title held by Princess Gabriella — this new issue focuses on Les Baux-de-Provence in the Bouches-du-Rhône region. The territory was granted to the Grimaldi dynasty by King Louis XIII in 1642, specifically to Honoré II for his son Hercule.

The obverse of the coin depicts a general view of the rocky outcrop and ruined medieval fortress of Les Baux-de-Provence. A subtle heraldic background features both the silver-and-red fusily pattern of the Grimaldi arms and a sixteen-pointed silver star, a symbol tied to the legend of the medieval Lords of Baux who claimed descent from Balthazar, one of the Biblical Magi. The family’s motto, “A l’asard Bautezar” — a Provençal phrase meaning “By chance, Balthazar” — is a nod to this storied lineage.

In a symbolic gesture of continuity, Prince Albert II remains the owner of the Sainte-Catherine chapel ruins at the site.

The new coin will be available for purchase starting 4th November through the official website of Monaco’s Museum of Stamps and Coins: mtm-monaco.mc.

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Charity pétanque challenge returns to Cap d’Ail for organ donation awareness

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
31/10/2025

Monaco Liver Disorder (MLD) is hosting its third charity pétanque challenge on November 23rd, at the Club Bouliste Monégasque in Cap d’Ail. The event is meant to raise awareness and funds for organ donations, with proceeds supporting children affected by rare liver diseases. 

The day-long tournament, however, will not just be about competitive boules. Participants will also be able to enjoy a gourmet meal prepared by a Grand Cordon d’Or chef of French cuisine, and trophies designed by artist Jordane Saget, represented by Galerie Kamil. The event runs from 9:30am to 4:30pm at the club on Avenue Marquet.

Tickets are priced at €150 per person, which includes entry to the tournament, lunch, and all refreshments throughout the day. With limited places available, organisers are urging interested participants to register early through the HelloAsso platform or by contacting the association directly at contact@mld.mc or on 06 40 62 37 77.

Additional donations are welcomed alongside ticket purchases, with French taxpayers eligible for a 66% tax reduction on charitable contributions.

The Monaco Liver Disorder was established in 2011 and is the only Franco-Monégasque association representing all rare liver diseases in children. The charity supports medical research, promotes organ donation awareness, helps improve paediatric hospital services, and provides support to affected families.

Registration is now open for the event, which combines sport and gastronomy in support of cause that affects families across France and Monaco.

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Main photo of the previous pétanque challenge credit: Monaco Liver Disorder 

Natural capital takes centre stage as Monaco hosts conference on regenerative economy

by: Cassandra Tanti
31/10/2025

Monaco is set to host the 3rd edition of the Natural Capital Conference, organised by BNP Paribas and the Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM) in partnership with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. The event will highlight how natural capital—comprising land, water, air, biodiversity and ecosystem services—is becoming a strategic asset for building resilient, regenerative economies and safeguarding the future.

In an era marked by climate change, biodiversity loss and mounting economic and geopolitical pressures, the upcoming Natural Capital Conference at the Yacht Club de Monaco on 3rd November will place natural capital at the heart of the conversation. The term refers to the stock of natural resources and the services nature provides, and the conference will argue that both its preservation and its proper valuation are essential levers for transforming society and ensuring long‑term resilience.

Integrating science, finance and policy

The organisers emphasise that the transition towards a regenerative economy—one that aligns economic prosperity, social justice and ecosystem restoration—depends equally on scientific advances and economic‑financial tools. Discussions will span from improved understanding of ecosystem dynamics to the practical mechanisms for integrating natural capital into investment portfolios, public policy and conservation strategies.

Global expertise converges in Monaco

The conference will bring together international experts, scientists from natural and economic disciplines, public‑sector institutions and finance professionals. Their aim will be to chart how natural capital can become central to our development models, whether through public policy, conservation strategy or sustainable financing.

Words from the organisers

“The financial institutions and banks have a decisive role to play in supporting the ecological transition, our joining with scientific researchers was obvious,” said Françoise Puzenat, Territory Director at BNP Paribas Monaco. “We are very proud to collaborate with the CSM for three years now on this conference, which allows us to gather in Monaco top‑quality international experts around the idea that natural capital is a true growth lever, while also securing our planet for future generations.”

Dr Nathalie Hilmi, Head of the Environmental Economics Section at the CSM, added: “The resilience of our societies depends on the ability of sustainable finance to redirect our models: moving from an extractive economy to a regenerative economy, where natural capital is recognised as an essential pillar of sustainable development — economic, environmental and social — and where biodiversity preservation determines humanity’s very future.”

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Photo by Monaco Life

Princess Charlene joins young Monaco rugby players in Georgia

by: Cassandra Tanti
30/10/2025

Princess Charlene of Monaco travelled to Georgia this week to support the Principality’s under-16 national rugby team during an intensive training camp ahead of an upcoming international tournament.

On Wednesday 29th October, the Princess — who serves as President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation — visited the Georgian Rugby Union’s training centre in Martkopi, a facility known for its elite infrastructure. She was accompanied by her brother Gareth Wittstock, General Secretary of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.

The young Monegasque players are taking part in a series of friendly matches against top-tier Georgian teams as part of their preparation for the prestigious Dubai International Rugby Sevens tournament scheduled for late November.

Photo credit: Ana Demetrashvili / Georgian Rugby Union

As part of her visit, Princess Charlene also attended a first aid training session for youth athletes, co-organised by the Georgian Red Cross and the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. The workshop aimed to raise awareness among players about life-saving emergency techniques.

Princess Charlene was welcomed by Natia Loladze, President of the Georgian Red Cross, and Davit Kacharava, President of the Georgian Rugby Union and former national team captain.

The day ended on a high note for the Monaco U16 team, who celebrated two more victories during the camp, bringing their total to four wins and two losses.

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Photo credit: Ana Demetrashvili / Georgian Rugby Union

Miraculous 13th century icon to visit Monaco’s Orthodox Church

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
30/10/2025

A revered religious artefact, said to possess miraculous healing powers, will be displayed at St Elena’s Parish in Monte-Carlo on Monday evening. 

The Kursk-Root Icon, one of Orthodox Christianity’s most venerated relics, will be available for worship at the church on Avenue de Grande-Bretagne on 3rd November at 6pm.

The icon, which depicts the Virgin Mary, dates back to the 13th century and has been central to Orthodox faith for over 700 years. According to tradition, believers credit it with healing the sick, resolving conflicts, and bestowing divine grace upon the faithful.

The Kursk-Root Icon, photo provided

The sacred image holds deep historical significant within Russian Orthodox tradition. It was revered by Russian Tsars and the renowned military commander General Kutuzov during the Russian Empire.

Such is the icon’s importance that in Ukraine and Russia, worshippers routinely queue for seven to eight hours for just five seconds before it. Hundreds of thousands of people wait to pay their respects when it visits these countries.

Hundreds of thousands follow the Kursk-Root Icon in Ukraine, photo provided.

The Orthodox Church of Monaco has extended an invitation to all Christians in the principality to take advantage of this rare opportunity. Church representatives highlighted the timing, noting the current difficulties in Ukraine, and called for unity amongst the Christian community.

The icon will be displayed at St Elena’s Parish, which is part of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR)

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Main photo provided.