Hi Fight Fans - May 30th 2003

Got any news kickboxing? If so, please email it to - prokick@group.tm

POST TENEBRAS CUP
Irish Light Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion Nick Baird stunned Swiss fight fans in Geneva last weekend. Baird from Saintfield who trains under the guidance of Billy Murray at the Prokick Gym put on the performance of his career, he finished the Swiss Champion Lupo within the distance.

Nick started quite tentatively in the first round and was coming under sustained pressure until the dying seconds when he replied with a barrage of kick and punch combinations which saw the Swiss champion kiss the canvas. Having made the standing count the bell rang, saving Lupo from any more punishment in the first. In round two and three Baird eased into control of the bout, with a display of fine ring craft and blistering attacks from both hands and feet. Lupo found himself on the canvas again in round two and in round three the power of Baird proved too much. After a third time on the seat of his pants the referee called a halt to the bout declaring Baird the winner by TKO. This was the perfect result for the Saintfield man who is preparing for a British title fight at Kickboxing Mania VI in the Ulster hall on 7th June. A well pleased Murray said “Nick really came of age on Saturday, it was his biggest fight away from home so far, but he came up with the goods and gave the fight fans a fine performance”.

Nick’s team mate and Irish Super-Welterweight champion Brian Boyd also made the trip. Boyd who boasted an impeccable record of five fights, five wins, all by knock outs was oozing with confidence up until Friday after the weigh. Despite making the weight with ease, his bout against the experienced French man Leconte was up in the air, as Boyd complained of Nausea and a weak stomach. Having made the trip Boyd also was keen to go ahead with the bout and after under going his pre fight medical the Doctor gave him the go ahead.

However, Brian’s unbeaten run was about to come to an end, he never really got into the fight and in the third round he was put down with a wicked body blow from which he didn’t recover. Brian was obviously bitterly disappointed, but Murray knows it will be a valuable experience. “I’m obviously disappointed for Brian, he is a wonderful talent, but he wasn’t up to power on last weekend. Laconte is a talented and more experienced fighter, I know Brian could have the beating of him, this has been a valuable trip for him.” Said Murray

Both men are on the under card Kickboxing Mania at the Ulster Hall on June 7th. If successful in June, Boyd is eager to get a rematch on with Laconte as soon as possible, whilst the still unbeaten Baird will be setting his sights on a European title challenge.

Tickets for Kickboxing Mania are available from Billy Murray Promotions Tel. 028 90 651074 priced £10 - £15 for Unreserved and £25 for Ringside (Limited Ringside remaining). For all the up to date information on Kickboxing Mania, visit www.prokick.com

BELLE OF-A BATTLE
Ireland’s top female instructor was in Toronto last week for a training session with women’s World Champion Chantal Nadon. Gail Hagan joined Chantal who is preparing for her World title showdown at Kickboxing Mania VI in the Ulster Hall. She is trained by Belfast exports Michael and Martin McNamara who will be making their first visit to Ireland since uprooting in the late 1950’s. Chantal’s bout against Christine Mourer of France is one of the most eagerly anticipated bouts scheduled for the event. The two met last year in a World title contest in Toronto, on that occasion Nadon took the close points decision after ten rounds of non stop fight action. Promoter Billy Murray has said it could prove to be the fight of the night in fact it will be a Belle of a battle.

CALLING ALL KICKBOXERS
If you are an experienced Kickboxer and want to get involved in top class promotions competing against the best exponents in the world please forward your details to Billy Murray Prokick Gym, Wilgar Street Belfast, BT4 3BL or e-mail prokick@group.tm We want fighters from all styles, Muay Thai, Freestyle and Full-Contact to compete on major events both at home and abroad. If you have competed on a WKN sanctioned promotion or a Billy Murray event in the past, your details should already be on record. However, if not we look forward to hearing from you soon.

CORK-EN EVENT
Don’t forget you can see Ireland’s top Thai Boxer in action at the Neptune Stadium, Cork on Saturday 14th June. Cork’s Craig O’Flynn’s tops the bill at his own event when he takes on Thailand’s Kongsak Sittadtrakan in a World title contest. In total there are twelve bouts scheduled with fighters travelling from England, Scotland, Holland, Denmark and Thailand. For ticket’s and further information contact Craig direct..

EUROSPORT
Do forget to keep checking your TV guide for schedule times of major international Kickboxing events from Belfast as part of the build up to the Live kickboxing Mania on June 7th. Or check out the Eurosport web site for a full up to date schedule.

Don't forget to check out the sunday people for a full report with pic's!

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