Northern Ireland gets a board of Control

It has taken 25 years, but finally kickboxing in Northern Ireland has an official Board Of Control.
Senior representatives from within the sport met at a Belfast hotel last weekend (April 3) to set aside years of squabbling and vote to establish the Board – built around the British Boxing Board of Control model and aimed at ensuring uniform safety measures for fighters.

"This is wonderful news," said veteran Billy Murray, one of the driving forces behind the Board. "For too many years there were clashing egos within the sport all determined to guard their little patch. But we have been working hard behind the scenes for many years to bring the factions together. I'm delighted all the work has finally paid off."
He added: "There are so many events across the nation that a regulatory body has to exist to look out for all fighters. Promoters and coaches have of course been doing this for a long time, but with such a huge explosion in interest, this is necessary safety net."

Longstanding names from within the Kickboxing community – such as Paddy Toland and Stuart Beattie – lent their support to the move. Both men will join an interim Board of eight members that also includes respected referee Bob Hunter, who travelled from his London home to the meeting, and sports mad former Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers. The interim board will come up with a constitution and framework for the future. A full Board will be elected in October.

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