Kickboxing Mania V was a success in every sense of the word said promoter Billy Murray yesterday. "This event saw some of the best exponents of Muay Thai and Kickboxing come to the city of Belfast to compete for major title's in the biggest night of some of our local competitors lives. None of this would have been possible if it wasn't for the much valued support from the N.Ireland events company for which we are eternally grateful and that of the Belfast City council, whom gave word of their support just two weeks before the show". The event saw three Muay Thai World title's and Local lads Gary Hamilton (Belfast) and Gary Noade (Downpatrick) win Intercontinental and European titles respectively.

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Hamilton hits home with another major title Professional kickboxer Gary Hamilton lifted the WKN Intercontinental Lightweight title on Saturday night after an epic encounter against Arild Mikarlsen. The 12 round bout went the distance and saw Hamilton land some blistering roundhouse kicks to the body of Mikarlsen. Hamilton didn't have it all his own way though as the Norwegian gained a bit of momentum in the middle rounds making life slightly more difficult for the Belfast man. In the remaining few rounds Gary really opened up and began to dominate the bout with several kick and punch combinations and looked like stopping his opponent in both the 10th and 11th rounds. However, all credit to Arild Mikarlsen as he showed great grit and determination to stay on his feet and see the final bell. Gary was crowned Intercontinental Champion by a unanimous points victory on all three judges cards. Next step is World title. "Words can't describe how I feel. Arild is an extremely tough opponent and it was a great fight. I know now that the next step is my ultimate goal of a world title, but I won't rush into anything just yet. I think I will probably make a couple of tough defenses and if I am successful, then maybe I will challenge for the World title. At the age of twenty-one, I have plenty of time on my hands, so there is no point in rushing."

Gary Noade of Downpatrick also made a major step up the title ladder as the British champion beat Shaun James of England to claim the WKN Pro-Am Welterweight European title. Noade started strongly and suprised the Englishman with some rapid punch combinations which shook him early on. However, James never appeared to be fazed and fought back strongly in what was a great fight from start to finish, well worthy of a European title. The decision went in Noade's favour, as he was the busier of the two fighters throughout the bout and connected with a lot more shots than James. All three judges were in favour of the Prokick fighter, who has now won two title's in two fight's and will no doubt be hungry for even more to add to the trophy cabinet. Noade said "I new Shaun was going to give me a good fight from the start, but that's the way I like it. I have never been more focused and determined to win a fight in my life and that is what helped me keep my mind on what I had to do when I entered the ring. I was there to win and bring another belt back to Prokick, I will now be considering my options with Billy Murray, to see what my next step will be, I would imagine I will be making a defense of the title at some stage."

Carrickfergus man Neil Baxter made it five wins from five when he beat strong Norwegian Bjorn Tore Rod in a very difficult battle. Baxter very nearly had to pull out of the bout as he was recovering from a slight chest infection. However, he put on a fine display against a very capable opponent who wasn't going to be a walk over. Baxter started very strongly winning the first and second rounds with fast punch and kick combos. In the third Bjorn managed to turn the tables and Baxter suddenly found himself with a fight on his hands. The final round was closely fought with both men not giving much away, but Baxter looked to have a slight edge. The result was unanimous in Baxter's favour winning three of the four rounds, on all the judges cards.
Young prospect Tony Millar from Belfast found himself in the limelight in only his second ever competitive bout. The 16 year old black belt took on England's Andrew Angus in the opening bout of the evening which saw three Muay Thai World title's and a European & Intercontinental Full-Contact title's contested at the Waterfront Hall. And a great fight the local lad had, as he put on a fine display of kicks, which had the Waterfront Hall fight fans constant applause. Tony kept piling the pressure on and won every round comfortably, he even came close to a stoppage in the last round. His coach Billy Murray knows he is destined for big things. "Tony is still very young, but already he has shown us the hunger inside that it takes to become a champion. There are many area's that still need to be developed but he has great aptitude for improving his techniques and learning the sport. I will try and keep him as busy as possible over the course of the next year and build on his record. So far he is doing well, two fights, two wins in two months."

The third world title was set to be a great battle as World Champion Yigin Osman with nearly one hundred and ninety fights to his credit took on the third of the Thai's, Rolek Kennorasingh. Unlike the other two Thai bouts, this one got off to an explosive start with the champion connecting with rapid kicks to the head of the Thai challenger. However, Rolek was no push over and came back with fast hard low leg kicks followed by knees. The first round was hard to split, but in the end the Thai probably edged it. The Waterfront Hall fans where poised for another tightly fought round in the second, however, Rolek got an early advantage and caught the champ with the low kicks, followed by knees and finally two elbows. Yigin fought back well for a few seconds until the referee split the two combatants as he spotted a cut probably caused by an elbow. Doctor at ringside, John O'Hare was called to inspect the cut and decided the bout couldn't continue. Yigin lost his title, which resulted in two World Title's returning to Thailand.

"What a night to remember, Waterfront Hall 6th April 2002."

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