Belfast is gearing up for a European first on October 30 when a selection of the continent’s best female kickboxers take to the ring at the Holiday Inn for a ladies only event.

The Ladykillers show will see female fighters from Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Germany and Bulgaria challenge for a host of titles.

And The Hole In The Wall Gang’s Dymphna was on hand to make sure the event was launched with a bang this week. She stopped in at the ProKick gym to show some of the fighters on the card moves she has used on Uncle Andy.

“We’re all very excited about this one,” said Billy Murray, the man behind the show. “A major event on this scale has never been attempted in Europe before. We’re going to have at least 10 high class battles on the night. Fight fans will be able to see local heroine Lydia Braniff try to add the British title to the Irish crown she has just taken. They’ll be able to see rising stars Natalie Deronja, Eileen Gray, Fran 'SuperKick' Spence, top female coach Gail Hagan and Andrea McAllister - fiancee of world champion Gary Hamilton, plus lots more. They’ll be able to see just why female fighters are no longer second fiddle to the men, but are starting to lead the way.”

Recent figures suggested that Kickboxing in Northern Ireland was about to become dominated by female competitors. In some cases, gyms are reporting a membership spilt of 60/40 female to male, a turnaround from the 10/90 of just a few years ago.

“The time is perfect for an all-woman event,” said Murray. “Kickboxing is a great way to get in shape. Stars like Angelina Jolie and Madonna have helped make it cool and acceptable for women to compete. It’s going to be a night of high drama and you’d be a fool to miss it.”

Tickets for The Ladykillers show are on-sale from the ProKick 24 hour hotline 02890 651074. They cost £15-20.

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