Gary Hamilton took a further step towards world unification glory with a convincing win in Switzerland at the weekend (April 24) .

Belfast’s featherweight world champion barely broke sweat as he demolished Swiss hopeful Banushi Binak in the first round of their non-title clash in Geneva.

He had Binak on the floor twice within the first minute of their contest – once from a blistering body punch and once from one of his trademark roundhouse kicks. After just 1min38 of the round, referee Franck Muller stepped in to save the local man from further punishment.

“Binak stepped in late to take this fight - but he is no slouch,” said Hamilton’s delighted coach Billy Murray. “He’s twice been a world champion in the WAKO division but Gary went past him as if he wasn’t there. “Gary has had two fights this year and scored two emphatic stoppages. Pound for pound there is no better kickboxer in the world right now. “I the best shape of my entire career,” said Hamilton. “I feel like I could take on anyone in the world. I’m rolling now and I can’t wait to get back into the ring.”

 

However, it was a disappointing night for Kilkenny’s former amateur world champion David Bourke as he challenged for the vacant professional welterweight European title.Bourke was stopped by Frenchman Damien Leconte half-way through the second round of their contest.