Hello KickBoxing Fans - March 9th 2003

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

FLATLEY RUMBLED Galway Black Dragon kickboxing club treated over 1000 fight fans to a feast of kickboxing at the 5th Rumble in the Bay event at the Leisureland complex in Salthill last Sunday. Local fighter Owen Flatley headlined the twenty-bout fight card. He challenged for the vacant pro/am WKN lightweight world title. Unfortunately, the brave Galway mans attempt of becoming a world champion was thwarted by his French opponent Anthony Mazacche who was a late replacement for Flatleys original opponent, Jerome Huon. Flatley never really got into the fight and after 6 gruelling rounds, his coach Pete Foley said enough was enough and abandoned the contest to save any further punishment.Owen is still European champion and may well defend that to get back on the same form of recent years. In the second main contest, former amateur World Cruiser-weight champion Sean collier made his second professional appearance. The Wexford man managed and promoted by Peter Foley, done everything right on the night, but stop Phillipe Soyer from France in a thrilling and stylish 5 rounder. Collier, was in no trouble throughout the match as he won every round on the judges score cards and was made go the distance for the first time in over three years. World Champion Gary Hamilton was resigned to a demonstration bout after his opponent pulled out just a few days before the scheduled match with a knee injury. Hamilton’s fiancée was also in action, she lost out narrowly on points to former Irish Champ Amy Charles.

BANGOR BOOMING We are pleased to announce that despite the mix-up at the Prokick club in Bangor over the past few weeks, the new club is now going from strength to strength. The classes run every Monday evening at 6pm in the Castle Leisure Centre in the town, anyone wishing to attend are welcome every week. For further details on any ProKick classes Tel.028 9065 1074.

INSTRUCTORS COURSE Prokick will hold an instructors seminar for all the up-and-coming wannabes. The Belfast school of kickboxing excellence are planning a further ten new outlets across the north where the public can learn Kickboxing ProKick style. Part 1of the course starts Saturday the 23rd March at 2pm. This is strictly for Prokick members only, non members Tel. 028 90 651074 or drop us a line to prokick@group.tm

GRADING Prokick Gym will be holding an Adult only grading on Sunday 30th March. Students aiming for their yellow & orange belt levels are advised to be at Prokick HQ for 1pm sharp. Green belt and above should be at the club for no later than 2.15pm. See your club instructor for details or drop us a line to prokick@group.tm Tel. 028 90 651074.

SMALL SCREEN Promoter Billy Murray jets out this week to continue his talks for a live TV deal for Kickboxing Mania 6 promotion scheduled for this year. The date along with details of the TV deal can be found right here next week. Ali Jacko’s series of kickboxing programmes on channel 5 has now moved to Tuesday evenings at the earlier time of 12 midnight. The series features action from around England showcasing some of Britain’s top fighters.

WAR OF THE RINGS Paul Cummins returns home from Norway today with his marriage to his long time Fiancée Patsy later this week hanging in the balance. Paul was part of the Irish select who took on the Vikings in Bergen (Norway) last night and was under strict orders not to return with even the slightest scathe, or he could find himself in a war without a ring. Look out for the full report and photo’s from Norway and the wedding exclusive to ForKicks next week. ( see page XX more more on Paul & Patsy.

ITS S-COOL TO KICKBOX Murray to go back to school this week. The former World Champion is to pass on his knowledge to students at St Colman’s and Milltown High Schools and this year St Eugines High school. The man responsible for helping introduce the sport to the Strabane area is - Youth Sport Coordinator Mr Jim McCloskey. He has been delighted with the response from his students. He said “Last year I was delighted to introduce kickboxing it was very successful with the sixth formers and they are looking forward to the classes again this year.” Murray isn’t the only kickboxing coach to be involved with schools. Billy Sullivan from the Waterford kickboxing club has been teaching the sport in schools for almost ten years, which proves the popularity of kickboxing even then. Now it is one of the fastest growing sports in all of Ireland and it is a sport we are good at, but how long will it be before kickboxing is a part of every physical education Curriculum? “Unfortunately the PE teachers don’t have the expertise required and it would mean training courses for all teachers.” Said Murray. “At the moment it isn’t too bad, there are enough fully qualified instructors to cope with the immediate trial periods but it would need to be introduced over a period of a few years.” He said. If you or your school is interested in trail period in kickboxing please Tel. 028 90 651074.

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