Nick Baird narrowly missed crowning his comeback with a European title in Germany last night on (November 9).
The rising Saintfield star lost out on points to German super-middle champion Remy Litshko as they battled for the vacant WKN European title in the German city of Rostok.
Baird, fighting in his first bout since an emergency appendectomy in June, lost out on a split decision after his five round encounter.


"I’m bitterly disappointed," he said. "I thought I had his measure, especially in the fourth round, but it wasn’t enough. I’m just looking forward to the rematch now."
Baird fought in front of a 3,000 capacity crowd in the old eastern Germany. The show was beamed across Germany. Fans howled their appreciation for local hero Litshko at during the first two rounds, but began to turn on him as the fight progressed. Baird took the fight to the German in the third and his gutsy performance in the fourth, combined with a couple of unstoppable straight right hands, had a section of the crowd chanting his name.
"For a time it looked as though he’d cause an upset, but I honestly think he should have had one fight before this to get him properly ready before such a big title night," his coach Billy Murray of the ProKick Gym in east Belfast said.
Baird’s father Robert made the long journey to support his son. He acted as cut-man in the corner for Nick. A rematch is likely for the December 22 Kickmas Box at the Ulster Hall.
As a special Christmas treat for Kickboxing and fight fans, there will be a limited number of ‘KICKmas Box’ family tickets available. A group of four, two adults and two children - can pick up a ticket for just £25 – that’s a 50% saving. Tickets otherwise are £15 - £25 ringside. Tickets are available through ProKick and affiliated gyms on 028 90 651074