Belfast’s world champion Gary Hamilton has been stolen… five times.

A life-size photo of the featherweight kickboxing king has been repeatedly pilfered from outside the Ulster Hall in Belfast where it has been placed to promote Hamilton’s upcoming December 17 defence of his crown. And Hamilton’s camp think they know why.

“There are an awful lot Hamilton fans in Belfast,” said his coach and promoter, the former world champion Billy Murray - currently one half of the best dressed couple in Ulster. “People know this is final defence of his title before he moves up to lightweight and I guess they want to mark such a special sporting moment. But these are enormous posters. Whoever is taking them has a massive bedroom wall!”

Murray said he was delighted that Hamilton’s fans feel so strongly about the star, but he’s keen to see the theft stop.

“It’s costing me a fortune! Six of these things have disappeared now, each at £60 a pop. I’m getting close to installing a full-time guard outside the Ulster Hall to make sure no more of these things walk. It would work out cheaper than replacing them!”

Hamilton himself has an easy remedy.

“I’m touched that so many people want these posters. But if they want a taste of the real thing, they just need to turn up at the Ulster Hall on December 17. It’ll be much better than a poster.”

Hamilton will fight tough Ukrainian Ewgenij Mytyay on the top of the card clash at the second annual KICKmas Box. He shares top billing with French-Moroccan light welterweight sensation Mohammad Samir. Samir has fought and won 100 fights and is regarded by many as the best pound per pound kickboxer in the world.

The event will also see a full supporting undercard, featuring a number of European and British titles. It is promoted in association with Belfast City Council.

Tickets for the KICKmas BOX bill are available on the ProKick Ticket hotline: 028 90 651074. They cost £15 - £25 or £40 for a family ticket (two adults, two children).

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